It’s common knowledge that Arsenal are likely to complete the signing of Mohamed Elneny in the next few days, and has now even been confirmed by one of our own players.

Striker Olivier Giroud, taken aback by comments that Arsenal need a flurry of signings to win the Premier League title, has admitted the club are going to sign an Egyptian midfielder which, surely, means Elneny.

“Tell me where [we need players]. Just tell me where! I will explain the opposite judgement,” the French striker said. Giroud himself is a player who some would like to see replaced, but he has scored 15 goals in 25 games (18 starts) so far this season, helping the Gunners to the top of the table and into the last 16 of the Champions League.

“We have very good players as well on the bench, young players waiting to come in. They are very talented. I am not worried about it.”

Alex Iwobi and Jeff Reine-Adelaide have been on the bench a lot lately but are yet to come into the starting 11 for a Premier League game. The likelihood of that is slim, with Alexis Sánchez due to return soon, and he isn’t the only player coming back.

In addition, Giroud hinted at the Elneny transfer.

“I know that maybe we sign a player, an Egyptian one; Danny Welbeck will come back in a month and a half. Theo Walcott can play up front, Joel Campbell is doing well with his national team up front. If I am less good or get injured, we still have a solution.”

The return of Welbeck, who can play up front or on either wing, would be a huge boost for the Gunners. Alexis also gives that option and would free up Walcott to play centrally again.

As Giroud says, we have plenty of options when everyone is fit. However, that’s a rare occurrence. Elneny seems to be the only signing we’ll make in January at this point and, if Welbeck and Alexis return on schedule, that wouldn’t be too bad. If there are any setbacks…well…maybe we should sign another. Just in case.