Mikel Arteta praises ‘really important’ Mohamed Elneny as Arsenal midfielder signs contract extension

Mikel Arteta has praised ‘really important’ Mohamed Elneny after Arsenal confirmed the midfielder had signed a new contract with the club.

Elneny’s previously deal was due to expire this summer but the Egypt international has put pen to paper on a one-year extension, with the option for a further 12 months.

The 29-year-old has made 147 appearances since joining Arsenal from Swiss side Basel in 2016.

‘Mo is a really important part of the team,’ Arteta said. ‘He brings endless energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the team and is loved by everyone.

‘He’s an important player for us on and off the pitch, a real role model to our younger players and I’m delighted he’s staying.’

Arsenal technical director Edu added: ‘Mo has an incredible mentality which is so important for our squad. He helps the team as much as he can every day.

‘We are all very happy to have him with us as we look to build on what has been achieved this season.’

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>Almost 7 years with Arsenal but they donât seem to be enough ð Iâm still learning, Iâm still growing, and I want to do so much more for the team and the club I love⦠Iâm very happy, proud and grateful for renewing my contract with Arsenal… Iâm staying home â¥ï¸ @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/JW9523gbcv

Elneny enjoyed an impressive second-half to the season but was unable to fire Arsenal to a top-four finish, with Arteta’s side narrowly missing out on Champions League football.

‘I love this club and I feel like part of this family,’ Elneny told Arsenal Media. ‘I want to continue at this amazing club and amazing family and I’m very happy and very excited for the future.

‘I feel like when you play in one of the biggest teams in the world and you have an amazing family and the fans