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LONDON. — Mohamed Elneny’s protracted move to Arsenal could yet be ruined by paperwork as the club battle their way through all the administrative red tape.

But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is optimistic the club will complete the signing of Basel midfielder Elneny anytime this week.

And the Gunners boss thinks the January transfer window is set to be an exciting one, with a lot of business likely to be conducted.

Arsenal top the English Premier League heading into a busy week of action and they have a huge game at Liverpool tomorrow night followed by a Sunday trip to Stoke.

And Wenger is hopeful that, by the time they head to the Britannia, they will have bolstered their midfield with the addition of Elneny, a 23-year-old who already has 39 international caps for Egypt to his name.

Wenger said: “I expect Mohamed yes, we are positive that this week it can happen. The situation should be sorted out. There are a lot of work permit problems and special paperwork to do, (the) visa, so we hope we can finalise it this week.

“As long as it is not definitely signed, you have to be cautious, but I am optimistic about the case.” The Gunners are currently two points clear at the summit but the title race looks open and Wenger thinks plenty of Premier League teams will be busy this month.

“I would say for the media you could have some good news this January transfer window,” he said.

“I believe many clubs will be active. You go from the clubs who are down in the table like Villa, who have to do something, to the clubs at the top. “ — The Daily Express.