'I've just left Arsenal but have set up a new club aiming to reach the Premier League'

Former Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Eleny plans to soon be back in the Premier League – but not necessarily as a player but as a manager and owner. The Egyptian will leave the north London club this summer after eight-and-a-half-years, following his contract expiring.

Having previously won a string of honours in Switzerland with Basel, Eleny went on to make 161 appearances for Arsenal after signing for Arsene Wenger in 2016, scoring six times.

But he also spent the latter stages of his stint with the Gunners preparing for his next big venture, forming his new club, Elneny FC.

Back in October, the 31-year-old officially announced the launch of the outfit, designed to give a second chance to players released by their previous professional clubs. In January, trials were held for both the first and reserve team, with an academy also formed for young prospects.

Elneny now has plans to play a series of friendly games this year before his club officially enters the football league pyramid, and the 101 cap international has ambitious plans on where his side is heading. “I have told so many people and they are just laughing at me because when I say I want to play in the Premier League one day,” he told the BBC back in August.

“Some people just don’t get the idea but for me, I love to dream, that is why I need good people around me. I think the players we sign will be excited and then I am going put the idea every time when we train them, that we want to be in the Premier League one day.”

The club is based in Hertfordshire in England, and will need to start their league venture in a regional league. But Elneny believes his side can join England’s elite within two decades, and has appointed himself manager alongside two assistants, a first team coach, and a fitness coach.

“Of course, it could take 15 years, 20 years but we have the target where we want to be,” he added. “I love to dream. What am I going to lose? I’m going to work every day about this at Elneny FC.”

Elneny was the club’s longest serving player under Mikel Arteta before deciding to leave Arsenal, and is yet to agree terms elsewhere. He revealed in an emotional video message in May that this campaign would be his last, and he waved goodbye on the final day after the home win over Everton.

“Gooners, I’m here today to send you a message, to say goodbye and thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” he said. “The love, the support and the kindness. I’m really going to miss you so much and you’ll be in my heart forever.

“I wanted to say how much I love you and how much you mean to me. I will never forget the way you supported me. I’m going to see you on Sunday at the Emirates to say goodbye face to face, see you then.”