Reports are out claiming that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hopes to confirm Mohamed Elneny’s signing by Monday.
The Egypt international, 23, has passed a medical and agreed a long-term contract with the Gunners.
There were initially delays over obtaining a work permit but that has now gone through.
Wenger stopped short of confirming Elneny’s move yesterday but admitted a transfer was close.
He said: “We hope to announce a player in the next 24 to 48 hours.
“I don’t need to tell you the name. After that we will see [about other deals].”
FC Basel midfielder Elneny will bolster the numbers in Wenger’s squad as they struggle through an Emirates injury crisis.