FC Basel midfielder has passed his medical and is set to join Arsenal for a fee of around £7m.

That’s according to the Guardian, who say there were no complications with the midfielder’s medical exams and now only needs a work permit to complete the move to London.

In order to automatically receive a work permit a player must play a certain proportion of his country’s matches, providing they are ranked in the top 50 in the world. Though Egypt are ranked 57th, Elneny has featured in every one of their games over the past two years so there should be no issue once Arsenal appeal for a work permit.

Basel's midfielder Mohamed Elneny celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Europa League football match between Fiorentina and Basel on September 17, 2015, at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence. AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI (Photo credit should read TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images)
Mohamed Elneny is edging closer and closer to his Arsenal transfer. (TIZIANA FABI/AFP/Getty Images)

The 23-year-old is being brought in quickly thanks to the injuries in the Arsenal midfield. Francis Coquelin faces another couple of months out, while Santi Cazorla’s return is even further away. Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere is not expected to make his first appearance of the season until February at the earliest.

Arsenal have had the luxury of moving Aaron Ramsey back into the centre of midfield, and he has been joined by Mathieu Flamini and Calum Chambers. However, Elneny should give a big boost in that area. Despite his age, he already has almost 40 appearances for Egypt and has played in 37 Champions League and Europa League games – he has experience to match his ability. With Basel only in the Europa League this season, he will be eligible for Champions League matches against Barcelona.

It’s unlikely any transfer will be done in time for fans to see Elneny against Newcastle on Saturday, but he could make his debut in the FA Cup against Sunderland on 9th January.