Arsenal transfer news: Mohamed Elneny joins Besiktas on season-long loan

The Egyptian’s departure follows that of Nacho Monreal as Unai Emery clears out his squad

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny has joined Turkish club Besiktas on a season-long loan.

Unai Emery informed the Egyptian that he was not part of his first-team plans last week.

Besiktas will cover Elneny’s Arsenal wages.

“We would like to welcome Mohamed Elneny to the Besiktas family, who we believe will provide important services to Besiktas, and wish you success,” the Turkish club said in a statement.

Elneny joined Arsenal froom FC Basel in Switzerland in 2014, and has thus far made 89 appearances for the Gunners.

However, the arrivals of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi plunged the 27-year-old down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, and he made just eight Premier League appearances last season.

He had not featured for Arsenal this season.

“Everyone at Arsenal wishes Mo all the best for his season with Besiktas,” a statement from the club said.

Elneny’s departure follows that of Nacho Monreal after the veteran left-back joined Real Sociedad today as Emery continues to trim the fringes of his squad.