Arsenal: Mohamed Elneny move imminent as Basel confirm transfer will take place 'in coming days'

FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny missed training with the Swiss club on 5 January, seemingly confirming reports of an imminent move to Arsenal.

Elneny, 23, is poised to become the Gunners' first signing of the January transfer window, with The Guardian reporting last week the midfielder has already completed a medical ahead of his relocation to the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger has refused to comment on the transfer in recent press conferences, but Basel appear to have confirmed that the move will take place within the week. The Egypt international was absent as the Swiss champions returned to training after their winter break, with the club's official website noting: "There could be a transfer in the coming days."

Of Elneny's reported move to Arsenal, Wenger recently told reporters: "Unfortunately I cannot say anything about this player because nothing has been concluded. I will be busy, that is for sure. I have already said we are short."

Elneny will reportedly cost the Gunners a fee of £7.3m ($10.7m) and sign a four-year deal at the club. The Gunners have found themselves short of central midfield options recently after losing both Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin to injury, with Jack Wilshere also a long-term absentee.

In the absence of Cazorla, Coquelin and Wilshere, Wenger has been left with the options of Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini in midfield, with defender Calum Chambers also offering a temporary solution in the middle of the park.

While Wenger is keen to add to his numbers, he stresses the club will uphold their high standards when it comes to January recruitment.

"It's more about quality than quantity because our players will not stay out injured forever. Hopefully, if we can add one and, if needed, two maximum. It's not a dream. Nobody knocks at your door at Christmas and says 'I have a fantastic player to sell to Arsenal.' You have to be realistic."