“We wasted a whole lot of money to sign him, but not anymore it’s time to release him and let him go”- Arsenal Sporting Director Edu Gasper has told Mikel Arteta to bin £35M Arsenal star who’s breaking the wage structure at the club

### Arsenal’s Forgotten Man: Time for Mohamed Elneny to Move On?

Arsenal are in fantastic form in the Premier League. While they didn’t clinch the title, the future looks bright with the current squad poised to compete for years to come. This turnaround has been orchestrated by Mikel Arteta and Edu Gasper, who have rebuilt the team from the disappointment of the Unai Emery era. Strategic transfers and the nurturing of young talent have been key to this transformation.

One of the shining stars from Arsenal’s youth academy, Hale End, is Bukayo Saka. He has emerged as one of the club’s most valuable players. Before the arrival of stars like William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, and Declan Rice, it was Emile Smith Rowe who partnered with Saka to electrify the pitch.

### Emile Smith Rowe’s Journey at Arsenal

Emile Smith Rowe made his Arsenal debut in September 2018 during a UEFA Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava. Initially, his appearances were limited, with only 12 games in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons. However, his breakthrough came during the second half of Mikel Arteta’s first full season in charge, 2020/21.

Smith Rowe’s impact was immediate and significant. In all competitions that season, he made 33 appearances, scored four goals, and provided seven assists. His efforts earned him the title of Arsenal’s Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2021. The following season, he improved further, netting 11 goals and adding two assists in just 37 appearances. Arteta described him as a “key player” for the team.

However, injuries have since plagued Smith Rowe, limiting him to just 552 minutes of football in 30 games since the start of the last season. Despite these setbacks, he remains a promising talent and could still play a crucial role in Arsenal’s future. His current salary of £40,000 per week, even with his injury issues, seems modest, especially when compared to another player who rarely features for the team.

### The Cost of Keeping Mohamed Elneny

Mohamed Elneny, while popular among fans for his dedication to the club, has seen limited action on the pitch. The Egyptian international was signed from FC Basel for around £5 million in January 2016. Since then, he has made 161 appearances, clocking approximately 9,520 minutes of competitive football.

Initially, Elneny earned £30,000 per week. He spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Turkish club Beşiktaş, who covered his wages during that period. Upon his return to Arsenal, his salary increased to £50,000 per week, and following a contract extension in February 2023, it rose to £55,000 per week. By the end of this season, Elneny will have earned about £15.8 million in wages from Arsenal, in addition to the £5 million transfer fee, bringing the total cost to the club to £20.8 million. This equates to roughly £2,184 per minute or £129,000 per game.

### The Decision Ahead

While Elneny’s commitment to the club is commendable, his limited contributions on the field raise questions about his role in the squad. It is especially perplexing that he earns £15,000 more per week than Smith Rowe, who has the potential to be a significant player for Arsenal in the coming years.

Given Arsenal’s current trajectory and ambitions, it might be time to reassess Elneny’s place in the squad. Moving on from the 31-year-old could free up resources and allow the club to invest in players who will contribute more regularly to their success. As Arsenal look to the future, tough decisions like these will be crucial in maintaining their upward momentum.