Arsenal are heading into the final stages of wrapping up a deal that will see Mohammed Elneny switch to the Emirates Stadium this month.
The Gunners have been linked extensively with the Basel midfielder for the past couple of weeks now, but Sky sources believe Arsene Wenger finally has his man.
Recent reports in several media outlets have suggested the Egyptian international has already completed a medical, and will be unveiled within the next few days.
It is believed a transfer fee in the region of £7million has been agreed with both parties, and now the 23-year-old just needs international clearance ahead of finalising the move.
That part shouldn’t be a problem to wrap up, and after an injury meltdown over the festive period, fans should be eager to get a look of their new signing in Arsenal colours.
Our cemented duo of both Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin are now expected to be out until March, so it’s clear to see Wenger has thought about reinforcements.
And despite the successful performances of our latest partnerships in holding midfield, the boss is worried it may put too much pressure on some of the younger players.
We still have players with a lack of experience in midfield like Calum Chambers, Alex Iwobi, Jeff Reine-Adelaide, and Joseph Willock. They can all play.
But at the moment, because there is so much at stake, it is very difficult to get the young players to start, but they have the quality.
The arrival of Elneny will not only provide cover in a defensive aspect, but it may allow Aaron Ramsey to push forward into a more attacking role, offering more options up in midfield.
Therefore, the Egyptian can easily slot in to our midfield whilst working alongside Ramsey or Gunners veteran Mathieu Flamini.
And at 23 you’d be easily mistaken to think that Elneny lacks experience in big games, but having already picked up 36 international cups he’s proved himself at a good level.
At 5ft 11inch, Elneny is hardly going to be a threat in the air, but then again neither was Coquelin. Agile, hard-working and committed to a tackle is exactly what he brings, and exactly what we need.
It is likely that Elneny will make his debut against Sunderland in the FA Cup at the weekend, with several first team regulars set to be rested.
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