Egypt's and Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny celebrate after scoring (Photo: Courtesy of Mohamed Elneny Twitter account)
Arsenal is considering a move for Egyptian and Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny in the winter transfer window next month, English newspaper The Mirror reported late on Monday.
Elneny came under the spotlight after his recent outstanding performances with the Swiss champions, scoring five goals since the season started.
The Gunners, Arsenal, are currently suffering from a midfield crisis due to several injuries and the 24-year-old Pharaohs player could be the ideal solution according to the newspaper.
"The Gunners were monitoring the 23-year-old last season and he is back on their radar ahead of the January window," the report by The Mirror explained.
"Arsenal has been badly hit by injuries in the central midfield with Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta all out.
"Southampton’s Victor Wanyama tops their wanted list, though they are reluctant to meet the Kenyan’s valuation of around £25 million (around $37 million).
"Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho has also been watched, but Elneny would be a cheaper alternative to both, at roughly £5 million," the report concluded.
Elneny, a regular member of Egypt's squad, has won three Swiss league titles with Basel since joining in January 2013 from Egyptian side Arab Contractors.
Basel is on the top of the league table with 43 points, ten points ahead of the second-placed Grasshoppers.
In the English Premier League table Arsenal lies in second place with 36 points, two behind leaders Leicester City.
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