Egyptian star-midfielder, Mohamed Elneny has completed his switch from FC Basel to English Premier League table-toppers, Arsenal.
Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger broke the news on Wednesday night after the Gunners’ 3-3 draw away at Liverpool.
“Elneny will of course join us. He has joined us,” the French gaffer declared, indicating that the new acquisition could play his first game for the club this weekend.
“We will see if he can qualify for Sunday,” Wenger stressed, referring to Arsenal’s next league game at home to Stoke City.
Although Wenger did not reveal details of Elneny deal, reports from Emirates Stadium indicate that he had penned a four-and-a-half year contract to become the first Egyptian to star for the London club.
The 23-year-old, who is a product of the youth academy of Cairo giants Ahly but made his name with fellow Egyptian club Arab Contractors, joins Arsenal for a reported fee of Seven Million Sterling Pounds (£7 Million).
He has been a key figure for Basel since joining the club in January 2013, helping them to three league titles. He has also produced some superb displays this season, scoring six goals in all competitions – two in the Swiss league, two in the Europa League and two in the Swiss Cup.
Elneny was widely praised for his goals in the Europa League, the continent’s secondary club competition, as he helped Basel reach the last 32, where they will meet French side Saint Etienne in February.
His goals included a screamer which led Basel to a 2-1 comeback victory away to Italy’s Fiorentina in their opening Group I clash in September.
His arrival will help ease the midfield injury crisis at Arsenal, who are having to do without the likes of Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta as the gunners intensified its bid to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.
By Olisemeka Obeche