Wenger confirms Elneny transfer nearly complete

Arsenal's transfer of Mohamel Elneny from FC Basel appears to be complete in every aspect but the work permit issue, as Arsene Wenger was uncharacteristically candid in speaking about the transfer of the 23-year-old Egyptian midfielder in his press conference today ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie against Sunderland.

Wenger said the deal "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."

When questioned whether Elneny would be Arsenal's only acquisition in the January transfer window, as the Mirror's John Cross claims, Wenger responded "The only one? I don’t rule out anyone else, but he will be at least one signing that comes into an area where we are short at the moment."

Arsene Wenger has rarely, if ever, been as direct about an upcoming player transfer. Usually, Wenger is the type of negotiator who likes to play his cards very close to the vest. One can safely assume, therefore, that the signing is all but complete, with only the final work permit issues to work out before a formal announcement. Hopefully, that announcement can be made soon. The sooner Elneny can join the squad and begin to bed in, the better. His reinforcement at central midfielder will be of great benefit as the Gunners make a push for their first title in over a decade.