Mohammed Elneny is staying at the Emirates Stadium.

ARSENAL have handed a new one year deal to one of the last survivors of the Arsene Wenger years.

Mohamed Elneny has played 155 times for the Gunners since being snapped up by the club’s legendary manager in the January transfer window back in 2016. He had played for Basel in Switzerland beforehand.

He has been seen as ‘Mr Dependable’ by both Wenger and current boss Mikel Arteta over the years, even if has never become one of the main headliners a the Emirates Stadium. Granit Xhaka is the only other player still in the squad from Wenger’s time in charge,

Elneny, 30, told the club’s website: “I’m so happy, I love this club and our supporters so much and I’ll give everything to help us be the best we can be, every day I’m here.” the midfielder said.

At one stage it seemed like his days with the Gunners were numbered, having spent time on loan in Turkey with Besiktas. There were rumours that he might return to the Turkish league last summer but Arteta wanted him to be part of the first team squad as cover for Thomas Partey – who has himself struggled with injury – and Xhaka. The arrival of Jorginho from Chelsea has increased the competition for places in the middle of the park.

The new deal is now being seen as Arteta’s reward for a player who has remained dedicated and loyal, and is known to be a popular member of the squad.

On being  Arsenal’s longest-serving player, the midfielder added: “It makes me so proud to have represented this amazing club since 2016. The spirit and togetherness we have in our squad right now is so positive and I’m so happy I have extended my contract.”

Elneny is out for the season with injury after picking up a serious knee injury during training.