Newcastle United have reportedly spoke about signing Mohamed Elneny in January.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim Newcastle are interested in the Arsenal midfielder.
Elneny is one of multiple targets named by the Daily Mail, but he is arguably the most interesting. Other names mentioned include Matthias Ginter, Joe Rodon, Sven Botman and Lloyd Kelly.
Obviously, he’s at one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. And he has years of top flight experience under his belt.
But he might be the least enticing transfer option named by the Daily Mail.
Newcastle do need to boost their midfield options
It’s obvious that Newcastle need to improve their midfield options.
Jonjo Shelvey is the star at the moment, and he has started every game of the Eddie Howe era alongside Joe Willock.
The latter is struggling, while Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff can’t get in the team. As for Jeff Hendrick, that ship has most certainly sailed.
Plenty of centre-midfielders have been linked with Newcastle – intriguing options such as Harry Winks, and wildly ambitious targets like Axel Witsel.
But Elneny is neither intriguing or ambitious. He’s not the type of player Newcastle need in the engine room.
Mohamed Elneny isn’t the answer to Eddie Howe’s midfield conundrum
Elneny isn’t known for his attacking exploits. He’s only scored one Premier League goal in his career, and that was against Newcastle last season. It was an effort that Martin Dubravka should’ve saved, and earned him the wrath of pundit Roy Keane who criticised the Slovakian.
The Egyptian is predominantly a defensive midfielder, tasked with protecting the Arsenal defence. He doesn’t do it much, starting just one Premier League game all season.
Elneny has always been a back-up option for the Gunners, ever since Arsene Wenger signed him in January 2016.
He’s never really been a key player for Arsenal, which isn’t good news for Newcastle. They need players who can come in and have an immediate impact.
Newcastle need a midfielder who can go box-to-box. Someone who can disrupt the opposition but is also comfortable in possession himself.
When Elneny looks good for Arsenal, it’s because he’s surrounded by better players. He won’t be afforded that luxury at St James’ Park just yet.
While he can be a talented player, Elneny is someone who Newcastle don’t need in January. Howe should look elsewhere for a new midfielder.
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