The transfer window hasn’t even opened yet and several outlets are reporting that Arsenal have already agreed a deal to sign a player.
The Gunners have had an offer of €5 million accepted by Basel for their Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny, with the Daily Mirror claiming the deal will be completed in January.
Right, Arsenal sign a relatively obscure midfielder, that’s not really unusual now, is it? Well, there are a few things very un-Arsenal about this signing.
First of all, he’s not a diminutive skill-machine. Elneny’s a 5′ 11″ holding midfielder, although he does have something to offer going forward.
Secondly, he’s not all that young either. At 23, he’s already past the point of qualifying for wonderkid status. In fact, he’s only a few months younger than Jack Wilshere.
Finally, he plays in a position where Arsenal actually do require more options. With Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin injured, and Flamini, Arteta and Rosicky all out of contract at the end of the season, Arsenal could actually use a holding midfielder.
Check out Elneny in action below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7OIZiku-ho
