So Arsenal are reportedly close to making their first January signing this summer – Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny.
The Egyptian international is expected to complete a £5 million move to Arsenal when the January transfer window opens this Friday.
It appears Elneny is viewed more as a short-term fix for the injured Sanit Cazorla and Francis Coquelin.
But, like me, you’re probably wondering who the hell he is?
Well here are a few facts about the player you ought to know.
1. The 23-year-old, who stands at 5’11, is primarily a defensive midfielder, but can also play as an emergency attacking midfielder as well.
2. Elneny is an Egypt international and has won 39 caps and scored three goals for his country so far. Prior to this, the midfielder competed in the 2012 London Olympics for the Egypt Under-23 team.
3. Elneny moved to Basel from El Mokawloon, where he managed to make 35 appearances in three seasons, back in 2013 for as little as £448,000.
4. Since joining Basel, the right-footed midfielder has made over 90 appearances and for the Swiss club, where he has won the Swiss Super League on three occasions and one Uhren Cup.
5. Elneny is known for his neat passing, positional awareness, strength and ability to read the game.
He may not be the name Arsenal fans were hoping to see come this January, but it’s a start.
He is better than no signing. AFC has the ability of changing budding stars into superstars. Hoping for more and better signings
I trust Arsene Wenger in making wise businesses no matter the cost and Nationality. He will soon be transformed even as we look forward to seeing a bigger names
Typical Arsene Wenger business . Brilliant.
Don’t everybody get carried away because man city will spend more than 5 mil that’s for sure
Man utd spent 250 million see where it’s got them. Mahrez cost £400,000. It ain’t about money all of the time Gooner some of the time.
Arsenal need to strengthen there squad with young and promising talent. Remember song when he had just come. He played like a real man who has never stepped on pitch. A not under estimating him but that’s how he was. But by the time of his departure I was already convinced he was a star.
Arsenal need to strengthen there squad with young and promising talent. Remember song when he had just come. He played like a real man who had never stepped on pitch. A not under estimating him but that’s how he was. But by the time of his departure I was already convinced he was a star.