Transfer News: Major investments planned by Arsene Wenger as Elneny joins Arsenal
Mohamed Elneny has signed for English Premier League (EPL) club Arsenal from FC Basel of Switzerland for a fee of around £7 million (AU $14.5 million). However, Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger is still planning major investments to pump up the midfield for Gunners.
Elneny is predicted to come straight into the starting eleven replacing the present Arsenal defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin. The Egyptian can also feature in a more attacking role for the Gunners for the long-term. Wenger also plans to add more players to complete his midfield overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Arsenal midfielders Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are all set to run out of their present contracts at the end of this season. All of them are likely to be offered new deals by Wenger.
Jack Wilshere has suffered massive injuries recently and that might be a reason of concern for Wenger. Santi Carzola has been in amazing form for the Gunners in central midfield. However, the Spaniard is already 31 and has only 18 months left in his contract.
Wenger wants to build the future of Arsenal midfield around Coquelin, Elneny, Aaron Ramsey, Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. However, the Frenchman would love to make at least one more specialist addition in that particular area in the upcoming summer, according to The Telegraph.
Central defence and striker’s position of Arsenal seem to be the most in need for additions but Wenger feels that midfield is important as well. He has informed the Arsenal scouts about his intentions and a move for William Carvalho, Victor Wanyama and Lars Bender looks likely in the summer transfer window.
Elneny is predicted to make his Arsenal debut against Stoke City on Sunday depending on the recovery of the players who faced Liverpool in a 3-3 draw last Wednesday.
“I believe he will be a good addition to the squad. He can be box-to-box and be a holding midfielder so that is for us very promising. We wanted a versatile player and I wanted a player who can play defensive but can well play box-to-box.” Wenger said on Elneny.
Wenger also added that Elneny needs to adapt to the physical challenges of the Premier League to survive. However, he is certain that the Egyptian has all the attributes to be successful in England.
“It is an indescribable feeling. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world; I know everything about it and its players. I am hoping that we win the Premier League and cup this season, and the Champions League as well.” Elneny stated.