Arsenal blocked Mohamed Elneny from leaving the club in the January transfer window.

The Egyptian has not always been first choice at the Gunners, but is valuable midfield depth to manager Mikel Arteta.

According to Turkish outlet Sporx, Elneny's agent Alan Nazmy states there were many offers from Premier League and European clubs for his client's signature.

He said: "He (Elneny) stayed in the team because Arteta did not want to (sell)."

The likes of Newcastle United, Leeds United, Watford, Galatasaray in Turkey, Lyon and Marseille in France, and Spanish side Valencia all wanted the combative midfielder.