REASON: Why Unai Emery decided to sell Arsenal star to fund £17.8million

Arsenal head coach Unai Emery is set to activate £17.8million release clause for Villareal midfielder Pablo Fornals and will fund the move by selling Mohamed Elneny, who is yet to play a league fixture this season. Elneny, 26, has struggled to make an impact at Arsenal since his move from Basel two years ago and Leicester could be prepared to offer him an escape route. Elneny was linked with a switch to Marseille in the summer but a deal failed to materialise. And now it’s the right time for Emery to sell the Egyptian to fund money for more effective player. Pablo Fornals, who could be the best option for Arsenal, has a £17.8million release clause in his contract. Fornals scored a stunning goal of the season contender in September with a 40-yard volley against Athletic Bilbao. He has been capped twice by Spain and with his side struggling towards the foot of the table, a move to the Emirates could bolster his chances of regular football for the national side.

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