It sounds like there's a genuine problem with the work permit though. Granted, it might be connected to the relatively low fee we're paying, but if Basel were fine with it then so should the committé that oversees these things. Paying 4 million more than we have to just to override the rules would be shameful.
Mo Elneny
Have to admit I had some phenomenal bacon this morning.
Baked in the oven so it didn't get ruined by being crispy.
Good man.
Mo looks like a poor man's pirlo there. Even has the same annoying running style that looks like nothing until it's too late.
MistaT wrote:Have to admit I had some phenomenal bacon this morning.
Baked in the oven so it didn't get ruined by being crispy.
Not to mention less greasy. 
Crispy bacon is obviously less fat than the non crispy bacon.
Now 90% Fabregas free!
Arsene Wenger hopes to announce the signing of Mohamed Elneny from FC Basel within the "next 24 hours".
When asked about the 23-year-old midfielder, who has completed a medical ahead of his £7.4m move, the manager said in his briefing after the Gunners' 3-1 FA Cup third round win over Sunderland:
“We hope to announce a player in the next 24 to 48 hours," Wenger said.
“I don’t need to tell you the name. After that we will see [about other deals]."
It has been reported that the initial work permit problems over the player's move have now been sorted.
Looks like it'll be only the Mo Elneny.
Yeah, the Mo is all we will get. 
That will be a shame although if Wenger is being sincere about timelines of returning players, then we will definitely not fall behind.
Just had some bacon. Hoping this gets done today.
Damn, that makes me hungry!
Wenger "positive" Elneny deal will be completed this week. Says there are still permit/visa issues to sort out.
Qwiss! wrote:Looks like it'll be only the Mo Elneny.
I don't know, his comments on here make it sound like we might go for another:
[size=small][font='Source Sans Pro', sans-serif]"Of course it can make the difference," he said when asked whether the window could impact on the title race.[/font][/size]
[size=small][font='Source Sans Pro', sans-serif]"Teams who respond well in January will have success sometimes. I would say that for the media you could have some good news this January window, because I believe many clubs will be active.[/font][/size]
[size=small][font='Source Sans Pro', sans-serif]"You go from clubs who are down in the table like Aston Villa, who have to do something, and the clubs at the top who will be very active as well.[/font][/size]
[size=small][font='Source Sans Pro', sans-serif]"My prediction is it will be one of the most active January windows. First of all, down to TV [money], also the anticipation of inflation could exist after this season in England.[/font][/size]
[size=small][font='Source Sans Pro', sans-serif]"The anticipation to do business now could be important. At the bottom and top everyone thinks there is a responsibility to do something because we have a chance to improve squads.[/font][/size]
[size=small][font='Source Sans Pro', sans-serif]"At the bottom especially with the new television deal, the teams who fear to go down will be under pressure not to just accept the situation."[/font][/size]
[size=small][font='Source Sans Pro', sans-serif]
Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/wenger-january-transfer-window-could-decide-title-race#Omcd1RljCSEvIypH.99[/font][/size]
Normally his excuse for not doing business in Jan is that 'no one is active', so maybe he's getting some encouraging signs?
I think thats just because he knew hed sign someone. Elneny is someone.
Wenger did also say “as long as it’s not definitely signed you have to be cautious, but I’m optimistic”.
I really hope the deal doesn't collapse. We need him to join the squad as soon as possible.
Is it possible he has been training with the squad without a work visa and other paperwork, since as it has been reported, he isn't training with Basel?
Rohit wrote:Wenger did also say “as long as it’s not definitely signed you have to be cautious, but I’m optimistic”.
I really hope the deal doesn't collapse. We need him to join the squad as soon as possible.
Is it possible he has been training with the squad without a work visa and other paperwork, since as it has been reported, he isn't training with Basel?
Na he'll probably just be training on his own in the gym. Basel to Arsenal is a massive step up. Like Kos Per and Giroud it's going to be a learning curve.
Suspect we will be in for a second player.
Yep I get that impression
It'll be Mo plus another midfielder - Rabiot or Granit
Debuchy out with Chambers being the back up RB
Why do you think that Dules?
You have studied the way of the Weng.
Just an inkling. Think he knows we have a good chance and that there are good options on the market. Also knows he'll be clearing out the old boys this summer
He will have told himself he was saving for a rainy day when he skipped signing any outfield players during summer. That was unusual by his standards and might well contribute to a willingness to spend now.
Wenger saying clubs fearing inflation in the summer as a reason for buying now actually does sound like the Weng projecting his own fears.
Still think we are done here after Elneny, unless a class player becomes available at a good price. I certainly don't see us signing two central midfielders, although we should.
He gives them too much credit; they'll just pay the extra 10m because some bloke from league two in Portugal played the two games of his life at the euros.
The more salient point was that the premiership is very high stakes at the moment.
"Buying now because of fear of inflation" is as much of an oxymoron as it gets, especially if you give that statement to the media.
Egypt international Mohamed El-Nenny is set to travel to London on the 13th of January to complete his move to Arsenal, KingFut can confirm.
Today is the day.
Ed Aarons @Guardian_sport
Mohamed Elneny is now in England ahead of his move to Arsenal #afc
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny and hope the deal will be finalised in time for him to make his debut against Stoke on Super Sunday, Sky sources understand,
The 23-year-old is currently in London to complete the formalities on a four-and-a-half year contract at Arsenal.
He has already undergone and completed his medical and the hope is that the deal can be finalised in time for him to feature at the Britannia Stadium - live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 4pm.
In time for Stoke. That'll be some introduction to the premier league. 
Not holding my breath.
Probably a good idea, its bound to take a few hours at the very least.
HomeSteak wrote:Egypt international Mohamed El-Nenny is set to travel to London on the 13th of January to complete his move to Arsenal, KingFut can confirm.
Today is the day.
Ed Aarons @Guardian_sport
Mohamed Elneny is now in England ahead of his move to Arsenal #afcArsenal are closing in on the signing of Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny and hope the deal will be finalised in time for him to make his debut against Stoke on Super Sunday, Sky sources understand,
The 23-year-old is currently in London to complete the formalities on a four-and-a-half year contract at Arsenal.
He has already undergone and completed his medical and the hope is that the deal can be finalised in time for him to feature at the Britannia Stadium - live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 4pm.
In time for Stoke. That'll be some introduction to the premier league.
Like Monreal, who did very well against them on his debut.
Finally something is happening! I don't think Elneny will be in shape to face Stoke. Don't they have a winter break in Switzerland?
Well, good sign that he's at least in London.. that tells me its a matter of hours.. get him in so he can at least watch our 'Pool match
Segway wrote:Finally something is happening! I don't think Elneny will be in shape to face Stoke. Don't they have a winter break in Switzerland?
Im guessing he had a private training plan already while he was in Paris given by our conditioning specialists to start getting in shape.
My head says he, probably, will do well in the Coquelin-sized hole we have in midfield but, try as i might, this signing doesn't get my heart going at all.
most likely it'll be announce on Friday.
Wenger just announced that he has joined us.
90 minutes too late.
finally. it might not be a pulse-racing signing, but i'm hopeful he'll improve our passing and ball retention.