Arsene Wenger confirms Mohamed Elneny deal close

Arsene Wenger has confirmed the deal to bring FC Basel Mohamed Elneny to north London is close, but has hit some snags – most likely down to work permit issues – and should be completed in the coming days (via the Standard).

The Egypt international midfielder has been widely linked with the Gunners this month as Wenger looks to sure up his slowly depleting midfield and add one more combative player to the mix.

It is likely the proposed £5million deal will be completed shortly with both club and player agreeing the terms outlined, however the Arsenal boss admitted: “Its complicated a little bit.”

“We work hard on it and I hope in the next two or three days we get to the end of it.”

The Standard believes the hold up could in large be down to Egypt’s current FIFA ranking not within the top 50, which contradicts the Football Association’s rule of foreign players must be competing for countries inside the top 50.

The Gunners are no stranger to gaining work permits, having successfully secured Gabriel’s Special Talent visa last winter. But they have failed in the past with Joel Campbell and Wellington Silva.

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Wenger remains confident however, so much so that he actually opened up with the above quotes in the pre-match press conference. Not a usual move from the Frenchman, so have faith Gooners, this deal shouldn’t be far away.