Why Arsenal's deal with Mohamed Elneny is being held up.

It’s been a week now since Arsenal confirmed that they’d agreed a deal with Basel for midfielder Mohamed Elneny.

The player has agreed terms and the deal is pretty much done.

So why the hold up?

Well, a work permit. As Elneny isn’t an EU citizen, he needs one, and with Egypt out of the FIFA top 50, despite his regular appearances for his country, it needs an appeal.

Red tape is currently holding it up, as Arsenal have to explain that he’s an exceptional player, how good he is and all that - oh, and why he’ll play regularly and be an asset, rather than just a guy who’ll sit on the bench.