With the January transfer window upon us, rumblings of potential Premier League additions have been gathering pace as English sides are given a chance to strengthen ahead of the second half of the season.
Even the prudent Arsene Wenger has admitted that Arsenal will be busy over the next month, with the title-chasing side looking like a real and consistent contender to become domestic champions.
The French manager has in the past admitted that he does not want to sign players mid-season, while a number of January additions over the years have failed to make an impact in North London.
[ffc-gal cat="arsenal" no="5"]
This time round, rumours that Basle midfielder Mohamed Elneny is heading to the Emirates Stadium are rife, with the 23-year-old supposedly undergoing a medical and on the verge of being unveiled by the Gunners.
A player that will not be a household name to most Arsenal fans, the Egyptian has all the attributes to be a real success with the London club and potentially the missing link to land the side their first Premier League title since 2004.
Arsenal have been accused of lacking a midfield leader since the departure of Patrick Vieira, with the assumption that Wenger prefers ball-players rather than enforcers in the centre of the park.
Francis Coquelin’s emergence last season has at least offered more brawn in the boiler room for the Emirates Stadium outfit, but the Frenchman is on the treatment table currently and not expected back in contention anytime soon.
With Santi Cazorla also picking up a serious injury and the age-old story of Jack Wilshere’s unavailability, Arsenal are down to their last options in the centre of midfield.
Aaron Ramsey has certainly stepped up to the plate since been given the chance to play in his preferred position, while Mathieu Flamini has been industrious without overly inspiring. Wenger also gave the versatile but inexperienced Calum Chambers an opportunity to play in midfield recently, which was largely successful but against modest opposition.
Elneny is not only an extra option for the Gunners in the heart of their team but someone that possesses attributes that fit into their style of play and fill the void of what they have been lacking.
WANT MORE? >> Arsenal transfer news | Latest transfer news
The African battler is a hardened competitor who is on the pitch first and foremost to win back possession - something he does frequently and without being reckless.
His work-rate, energy and commitment have made him a fans favourite at St Jakob Park, with Basel more mobile and combative due to his presence.
In possession, Elneny is tidy and rarely gives the ball away, which would allow other more creative players at the Emirates Stadium to express themselves. As such, with Arsenal’s current injury woes and a squad that looks to lack real depth in the heart of midfield, Elneny’s signing would represent a positive move for the Gunners.
When Coquelin returns to fitness it is likely that either he or the Egyptian will play, not both, but the 23-year-old’s arrival would also remove reliance on the Frenchman as Arsenal’s only defensive midfield of calibre.
It may not be as glamorous a signing as some of the Emirates Stadium would hope for, but Elneny’s addition could well be the missing puzzle piece that leads Arsenal to the title.
[ad_pod id='writeforus' align='center']