Arsenal have reportedly opened talks over a new contract for midfielder Mohamed Elneny.
The Egypt international is due to become a free agent at the end of the season and has been widely expected to leave when his current terms expire after struggling to become a regular starter.
However, with Thomas Partey likely to miss the rest of the season with a thigh injury, Elneny has filled in admirably alongside Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park.
Elneny has started all four of Arsenal's recent wins over Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham United and Leeds United and has completed the full 90 each time, as well as claiming an assist for Xhaka's stunner against Man United.
While Arsenal will still be expected to pursue at least one new midfielder in the summer transfer window, The Athletic reports that talks are now underway to extend Elneny's contract in North London.
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The report adds that Arsenal are now "determined" to keep hold of Elneny following his recent resurgence into the side, and the club are hopeful that an agreement can be struck.
Elneny is said to be a well-liked member of Mikel Arteta's squad and brings a wealth of experience with 91 caps for the Egypt national team, and the 29-year-old recently admitted he would be willing to stay on even if he continues in his bit-part role.
"I always love a challenge and give 100 per cent all the time. I don't decide who plays but I keep going in training to show how good I am and to make him play me," Elneny told reporters.
"If I don't play I keep going until I get my chance. If Arsenal say 'we want you' I don't think about leaving. It's my family for six years. I love this club."
Elneny joined Arsenal from Basel six years ago and has gone on to make 144 appearances for the Gunners in all tournaments, scoring five goals and setting up 10 more in that time.
The midfielder was sent on loan to Besiktas for the 2019-20 season and has been tipped to return to Turkey should he become a free agent, but he has played a key role in Arsenal's recent push for the top four.
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Even if Elneny does put pen to paper on a new Arsenal contract, Arteta will still be eyeing reinforcements in the middle as Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi prepare to leave for Fiorentina and Marseille on permanent deals.
The Gunners are allegedly closing in on a deal to sign Leicester City's Youri Tielemans for a £40m fee, with the Belgian out of contract in 2023 and the Foxes guaranteed to be without European football next season.
A move for Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni has also been mooted, but Liverpool are thought to be leading the race to sign the French starlet in the upcoming window.
Following Sunday's 2-1 win over Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium - their fourth in a row - Arsenal have opened up a four-point gap to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place in the Premier League table.
As such, Arteta's side will confirm their place in the 2022-23 Champions League with victory in Thursday's North London derby before their final clashes of the season with Newcastle United and Everton.
Ben Knapton
