Arsene Wenger hopes to have a new signing completed in the next 10 days, but doesn't think Arsenal will add more than one player in January. Arsenal are close to signing Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny from Basel, with sources having told ESPN FC that a fee of around £7 million has been agreed but that the player still needs to be granted a work permit before the deal can go through. Wenger wouldn't comment on Elneny after Saturday's 1-0 win over Newcastle, but acknowledged that the club is "out there" in the January market. "Hopefully we are capable of doing something in the next 10 days," Wenger told reporters. Elneny would add to Wenger's options in central midfield with Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla both out injured. But the Arsenal manager would be reluctant to make more deals in January despite the team being in great position to win the Premier League title. "More than quantity I think it's about quality, because our players will not stay out forever," Wenger added. "We have Coquelin starting to run, Cazorla hopefully in mid-February. [Mikel] Arteta is back now, so hopefully we can add one, if needed two maximum [in the transfer window]. "Nobody knocks on your door at Christmas and says 'I have a fantastic player to sell to Arsenal,' so you have to be realistic." Arsenal's injury concerns are easing as well, with star forward Alexis Sanchez nearing a return after recovering from a hamstring problem. Wenger said the Chile forward might play against Sunderland in the FA Cup next weekend if he proves his fitness in training this week, adding: "Sanchez needs a good rest for the next four days and after that we'll make a decision. It's a possibility."
|