Arsene Wenger has revealed that the club had been tracking the progress of Mohamed Elneny for a year before splashing the cash for him.

The Egyptian midfielder signed for the Gunners from FC Basel yesterday, and the Arsenal manager spoke about how he’d been on the scouting radar for a long-time beforehand.

“We watched him for a year now,” he said. “We have looked at him in many games. We feel that every year he has improved and his age is very interesting.”

It’s understood that the 23 year old was a player the club would have moved for in the summer, but due to the injury crisis in midfield, that was expedited to bring him in sooner, a move that has left the Frenchman happy he’s got his man.

“I’m very pleased because I started in December to be ready at the beginning of January because I knew that position was a priority,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wenger has played down fears that a potential transfer ban for both Madrid clubs could see them raid the Premier League for top talent.

“I thought about that when I heard the news, but straight away they will appeal.

“The appeal will cancel the ban and they’ll be allowed to buy in the next two windows like before. That’s what will happen.”

If he says it, who are we to doubt him?