Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny is eager to emulate ex-Gunner Thierry Henry and became a legend at the London club.

The Egyptian, who is currently away in Gabon for the African Cup of Nations, joined Arsenal from Swiss club Basel in 2016 and has become a regular fixture in Arsene Wenger's side this season.

"I didn't believe it at the start. I know I played well at Basel, but it was always a dream to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world," he told the Daily Mail.

"When you have a dream, and your dream comes true, of course you don't believe it straight away.

"Wenger is the best coach in the world, so when he called me... it means I'm going in the right direction.

'It's been a great year for me,

"Playing in England, at one of the best five clubs in the world.

Mohamed Elneny has established himself as one of Arsenal's key midfielders this season. Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

"Since I arrived, I've enjoyed the whole experience. Not just playing for the club, but the country itself. The friends I'm making, the supporters. The whole atmosphere around the football. It's been one of the best years of my life.

"In Basel, I gained experience. But when I came to England, and Arsenal, I adapted so quickly because I felt straight away it was like a family, a whole big family. You are someone new, but they embrace you. They bring you in.

"Everyone loves each other. When you feel like people love you, and they want you around, that makes you adapt quickly, you enjoy being there.

"That's why when I leave, even on holiday or with Egypt, I miss it."

Coming from a football background -- where his dad played and coached in the game -- Elneny is living the dream, but admits he has set his sights on an even bigger objective: to become one of Arsenal's best in years to come.

"Where I am now, I owe that all to my dad, and the way he was with me. He always backed me, always supported me. He still gives me advice now. So of course, he shaped my career and my whole life," Elneny added.

"I want to be a legend at this club,

"Like Thierry Henry. I mean, obviously not exactly like him. I have my own personality, my own character. I want to be different to anyone that's gone before.

"But since I got here, I've always had that in mind. I wanted to become an Arsenal legend."