EXCLUSIVE By Pete O’Rourke

Besiktas are in advanced talks to sign Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, Football Insider can reveal.

The Egypt international, 27, has been told by Unai Emery he is free to find a new club before the end of the European transfer window next Monday.

An Arsenal source has told Football Insider that Elneny is closing in on a season-long loan to the Super Lig club.

Negotiations are advancing over a deal and Besiktas are hopeful they can beat other interested clubs, including Bordeaux, to the signature of the midfielder.

Emery revealed last week he has made it clear to Elneny and his senior teammate Shkodran Mustafi they are set for only bit-part roles with the Londoners this season.

Elneny was involved 17 times across all competitions last season, which included just five league starts, and he has not featured at all in the three Premier League matches in the new campaign.

The 75-times Egypt international has made 89 appearances for Arsenal since signing from Swiss club Basel in January 2016.

He signed a new long-term contract last year that runs until the summer of 2022.

In other Arsenal news, Darren Bent claims the Gunners have “stumbled upon a gem” who will be in high demand.