Arsenal are closing in on making their first signing of the January transfer window.
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Speaking to the media ahead of the Gunners’ FA Cup third round clash against Premier League rivals Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, manager Arsene Wenger revealed the deal for FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny is nearing completion.
Wenger revealed there’s been a bit of a hold up but expects everything to be sorted out in the next few days.
“It is complicated a little bit but we are working hard on it and hopefully in the next two or three days we will get to the end of it,” Wenger said.
The Arsenal boss also admitted other additions may arrive in January but that getting the Egyptian defensive midfielder on board is key.
“I don’t rule out anyone else, but he [Elneny] will be at least one signing that comes into an area where we are short at the moment,” Wenger added.
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Elneny, 23, is a true destructive central midfielder who is also good on the ball. With injuries to Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla in the lead up to the festive period, Arsenal have looked short in midfield as Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey have failed to hold down the two holding positions in the absence of Coquelin and Cazorla.
With Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky edging close to returns from long-term injury, plus the addition of Elneny, the center of Arsenal’s midfield will soon look well stocked.
The Premier League leaders will need all the squad depth they can get if they’re going to seriously battle with Manchester City for the title in the next next five months and dding at least two or three players in January (Elneny, more cover up front and a competent center back) should be the aim.