Wenger – Why Elneny Deal is yet to be Confirmed

Mohamed Elneny’s transfer from Basel to Arsenal has been held up by work permit problems, but Arsene Wenger is confident of being able to announce something this week.

The Egyptian’s move has been in the pipeline since the end of December when it was reportedly agreed upon between the Gunners and the Swiss club.

But it hasn’t been formally concluded due to visa issues, causing Wenger to adjust his prediction from Friday when he said it would be sorted within “two or three days”.

We are positive that this week it can happen. The situation should be sorted out this week.

There are a lot of work permit problems and special paperwork to do, and visa, so we hope we can finalise it this week.

As long as it’s not definitely signed, you have to be cautious. But I am optimistic about the case.

The plan was to have the midfielder in the door immediately to provide cover for the injured Francis Coquelin.