Arsene Wenger has revealed that he plans to use Mohamed Elneny as a centre-back this season rather than dipping into the transfer market to ease Arsenal's defensive injury woes.

The Egyptian has impressed while playing at the heart of a back three in pre-season and Wenger says he could continue in that role when competitive football begins next month.

“Elneny is a player who has a fantastic mentality and attitude, and his main target is to help the team," Wenger told the club's website.

"When he plays there, of course he does extremely well.

“Of course [he needs to learn the defensive side], but I always felt that a good central midfielder can be a good centre back.

How could Arsenal line up this season? Show all 12 1 /12 How could Arsenal line up this season? How could Arsenal line up this season? How could Arsenal line up next season? How could Arsenal line up next season? Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? GK: Petr Cech Cech may have been dropped for the FA Cup final, but the experienced shot-stopper is unlikely to lose his Premier League place anytime soon. The goalkeeper will turn 36 next season and yet he remains one of Arsenal’s best players. Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? WB: Hector Bellerin Struggled for form towards the end of last season but still one of the best full-backs in the country. Offers pace and power down the wing. Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? CB: Shkodran Mustafi The German defender enjoyed a solid debut campaign in English football, making 37 appearances in all competitions for the club. Still only 25 and will improve next season, with a year of English football already under his belt. Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? CB: Laurent Koscielny His poor discipline cost Arsenal in a couple of vital games, but he remains an important, influential player. There have been rumours Marseille have made Koscielny their top transfer target this summer, but it is highly unlikely Arsenal will sell. Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? CB: Rob Holding After impressing with his maturity and composure in a back-three last season, there's every chance Arsene Wenger could place his faith in the youngster once again for the new campaign. Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? WB: Sead Kolasinac Arsenal’s first signing of the summer. A versatile 23-year-old defender, Kolasinac plays predominantly at left-back but expect Wenger to have him push on. Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? CDM: Granit Xhaka Attracted a lot of criticism for his displays last season, but grew in confidence throughout the campaign and has the talent to become a vital player for Arsenal over the coming seasons. A superb distributor of the ball. Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? CM: Santi Cazorla One of Arsenal's most technically-gifted players and the glue that keeps the side's midfield together. Doubts over his fitness and whether he's got another season left in him, but should he be firing on all cylinders Wenger will want to make full use of him. Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? LCM: Mesut Ozil Still negotiating a contract extension with the club. His performance levels dipped alarmingly last season, but when he is in form, he remains one of the finest passers of the ball in the world. Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? RCM: Riyad Mahrez Mahrez recently announced his intentions to leave Leicester this summer and Wenger refused to rule out a move for the Premier League champion. Mahrez would bring real flair to Arsenal's side, as well as the ability to make something out of nothing. Getty How could Arsenal line up this season? CF: Alexandre Lacazette The instinctive centre-forward that Arsenal have longed for ever since Robin van Persie's departure. Industrious and physical, he'll bring a tough edge to Arsenal's front line. Getty

"With the fact of course that when you’re playing in the back four you have to be decisive in the challenges, you have a bit more flexibility in the middle of a back three. He can do that."

Wenger switched to a back three towards the end of last season but could struggle to fill the team, with centre-backs Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel both struggling to return from injury.

As a result, the Frenchman has experimented in pre-season games against Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Western Sydney Wanderers.

“Overall on tour, I played players like Elneny in a back three and he coped very well. Maitland-Niles sometimes played at centre back as well, even in the big games against Chelsea," Wenger added.

"You see their strengths and their weaknesses, and you learn a lot about your players and your combinations too.