Arsenal set to change transfer plan as Mohamed Elneny suffers ‘significant injury’

Arsenal are set to be without midfielder Mohamed Elneny for a lengthy period after he suffered a significant injury in Saturday’s win over Fulham.

The Gunners could now prioritise the signing of a midfielder before the end of the transfer window on Thursday.

Elneny came into the Arsenal side on Saturday following a thigh injury picked up by Thomas Partey in training.

The Egyptian played the entire 90 minutes as Mikel Arteta’s side came from behind to win 2-1.

However, The Athletic claims Elneny suffered an injury during the game which did not become apparent until late that evening.

PA report it is a hamstring issue for 30-year-old and the club and player are still waiting for the full extent of the damage, but it is expected he will have a chunky spell out of the team.

Arsenal were prioritising the signing of a winger before the window shuts on Thursday evening.

Wolves star Pedro Neto was their top target, though that deal seemed unrealistic due to the Molineux side’s asking price.

However, they are unlikely to be able to afford two signings and are set to turn their attention to bringing in a midfielder. Partey has struggled with injuries ever since moving to the Premier League in 2020.

Elneny is the recognised back-up to Partey and his absence is a huge blow to Arteta. Albert Sambi Lokonga is a younger option but fell out of favour last season, with Elneny preferred to the Belgian.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Leicester star Youri Tielemans throughout the summer. Tielemans has entered the final year of his contract at the King Power Stadium and could be available in a cut-price deal.