Arsenal's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny said he had decided to stay at Emirates Stadium despite his lack of playing time to "fight" for a starting position.

According to media reports, Elneny, who made 24 appearances with the Gunners in all competitions last season, was given the green light to leave Arsenal in the summer, with several sides showing interest in his services.

"There were some clubs interested in me because I was not playing enough games and maybe they thought they could sign me or even have me on loan," the 26-year-old told Arsenal Player on Thursday.

"I heard about this in the news just like everyone else and I was not interested at all. I spoke with the people here at the club and I told them, 'I don't want to leave. I want to fight for my position.' ''

"I trust myself, I have a dream to pursue and I am not going to give up on it. I dream big and this is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I want to stay.

"The club welcomed my decision to stay and that was the end of it. People were saying, 'You aren't playing enough games, maybe you should leave or go on loan somewhere' but I wanted to prove myself," Elneny added.

After a frustrating season, the Egypt international played more regular football with Arsenal this term, having featured in 29 games on all fronts so far.

Elneny, who joined Arsenal from Swiss club Basel in January 2016, signed a new long-term deal with the London club last month.

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