International midfielder skips training to complete Arsenal move

MOHAMED ELNENY has skipped Basel training as he closes in on a move to Arsenal.

 

Mohamed Elneny is said to be waiting on a visa before being unveiled by Arsenal

 

The Swiss club held their first session since returning from the Christmas break yesterday and it's understood Elneny was not in attendance.

Basel's official website confirmed the absence of the midfielder as well as Yoichiro Kakitani, who has returned to Japanese club Cerezo Osaka.

 

"Not with us during the start of training was Yoichiro Kakitani, he has transferred immediately to Cerezo Osaka, his previous club in Japan," the club said.

"Also absent was Mohamed Elneny, for who there could be a transfer in the coming days."

 

The Egypt international is believed to be in the UK to complete a medical and is awaiting confirmation on a visa before his Arsenal deal is announced.

Swiss newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung claim the deal is worth £7.4million and is due to be completed in the coming days.

 

Elneny's arrival will be music to Arsenal fan's ears as the club has been plagued by injuries to midfielders this season.

Arsene Wenger is currently without Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta, Francis Coquelin, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky.