Arsenal are awaiting a work permit before finalising a move for Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny, sources have told ESPN FC.
Arsenal have been in talks with Basel over a deal for defensive midfielder Elneny and have agreed a fee of £7 million for the player. Elneny was given permission to undergo a medical earlier this week.
After having successfully come through his medical, the Egyptian international is now waiting to be granted a work permit before sealing his switch to the Emirates.
Egypt's current ranking of 57 in FIFA's world rankings is not high enough to guarantee a work permit for Elneny. Arsenal may have to appeal to be granted special dispensation for the 23-year-old to be allowed a work permit so that the deal can be finalised.
Arsene Wenger has targeted Elneny to bolster his central midfield options after losing Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla to injury. Should the move go through, he is set to be Arsenal's only signing in the January transfer window.
Spain international Cazorla, 30, was injured early in the second half of Arsenal's draw at Norwich but remained on the pitch for the rest of the game. He underwent surgery on his knee and could be sidelined for another three months.