Elneny undergoes medical to become Arsenal's first January signing

Arsenal are all set to complete one of the first signings of the January transfer window, as midfielder Mohamed Elneny has reportedly passed a medical with the Gunners.

Elneny, who's 23 and currently plays his club ball for Swiss powerhouse Basel, is  close to completing his move to the Emirates Stadium for a few of just under $11 million, according to reports . Elneny's move remains subject to the granting of a UK work permit, which should prove to be no problem for the 39-times capped Egyptian midfielder.

With midfield stalwarts Francis Coquelin (knee) and Santi Cazorla (knee) both out with long-term injuries, and Jack Wilshere still a long way from making his 2015-16 season debut, Elneny figures to go straight into an Arsenal first team making its first real Premier League title challenge since topping the league in 2003-04.

Elneny will, however, not be eligible to play for Arsenal in the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League after making a number of appearances for Basel in this year's tournament.

NBCSports