Mohamed Elneny signs contract extension at Arsenal

Mohamed Elneny has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.

The Egyptian has made 65 appearances for the Gunners since making the move to north London from Swiss side FC Basel in January 2016.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year extension to his existing contract at Arsenal, which will keep him at the club until 2022.

Elneny plays for Arsenal and Egypt as a holding-midfielder and will be representing his national team at the World Cup in Russia for what will be The Pharaoh's first appearance in the competition since 1990.

The midfielder has found his playing time restricted since his arrival at the Emirates, though he has already made more appearances across all competitions this term than he had in the two previous, with 26.

The Egyptian has featured in every Europa League game for Arsene Wenger this season.

The player was a target of Leicester City in the summer, but midfield departures and injuries to Aaron Ramsay and Jack Wilshere at points of the season have ensured Elneny has become a key member of Wenger's squad, as they battle for a respectable finish to the campaign domestically and in Europe.

Arsenal's new cult hero

Whilst Arsenal fans may disagree about what Elneny offers on the pitch, there is no doubt about what they think of Elneny the person off it.

From trolling Alexis Sanchez to clapping the fans after every game, the Gunners' faithful took this opportunity to cement the Egyptian's status as the latest fan favourite.

The comments were largely positive about Elneny, who seems to be respected as a solid-if-unspectacular player for Arsenal.

Elneny's loyalty to and honesty about the trials and tribulations of his club in recent months also seems to have gone down well with the fans.