Arsenal's first January deal given 'green light' in hint at further transfers

Arsenal have reportedly agreed to allow midfielder Mohamed Elneny to leave the club on a free transfer in January.

The Egypt international, 29, is out of contract in June and has made just two Premier League appearances this term.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray are leading the race to sign Elneny in the coming weeks.

The Turkish giants are said to be at the "signing stage" of their pursuit - although a deal is yet to be finalised.

Elneny's agent William D'Avila confirmed the player wanted to join Galatasaray earlier this month.

Should Arsenal let Mohamed Elneny leave the club in January? Let us know in the comments below!

"Galatasaray is a big club, they do well on the domestic and continental level as well, they are always chasing titles," D'Avila told Fanatik.

"I think Elneny's move to Galatasaray will be good for him, especially that he himself wants to join the club. I have a good relationship with Galatasaray officials.

"I have a good relationship with Galatasaray officials. I meet them on a weekly basis... I don't know if Galatasaray are currently negotiating over Elneny, but they should.

"His contract ends by the end of the season and he could join them in January or after the season ends on a free transfer.

"Elneny wants to move to Turkey, and there is interest from multiple big clubs, but it's too early to say where the player will end up."

Elneny joined Arsenal in January 2016 but has never held down a place at the Emirates, making just 71 Premier League appearances to date.

The ex-Basel midfielder spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Galatasaray's Super Lig rivals Besiktas, playing 36 games in all competitions.

Arsenal's reported acceptance to losing Elneny suggests Mikel Arteta is considering bringing in reinforcements during the transfer window.

The Gunners manager's central midfield options include Elneny, Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Granit Xhaka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Xhaka is currently suffering with a knee injury, though, and Partey is set to play for Ghana in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Losing Elneny, who is also expected to play in the AFCON, will further deplete Arteta's resources and the manager could be forced to add to his ranks.

Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell has urged the Spaniard to sign Donny van de Beek, who's made just four Premier League starts since joining Manchester United 13 months ago.

"I only want what's best for Arsenal and I believe Van de Beek can play, if given the opportunity," said Campbell. "The boy can play.

Who's been Arsenal's Player of the Season so far? Have your say!

"He wants out. I think this young man has super ability. He can play anywhere around the midfield - holding, at eight, and he can play attacking."

Arsenal director Josh Kroenke hinted at arrivals during a recent interview. "We had a clear idea of what we needed to do with the squad and there were a lot of areas that needed to be addressed," he said.

"Were we able to address them all in one window? I don't think we did or were able to do, but we made a lot of progress in certain areas."