Arsenal transfer rumours and news: Mohamed Elneny signed and could play against Stoke; Xabi Alonso 'interested'

Arsenal have completed their first deal of the January transfer window, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

Egypt international Mohamed Elneny, 23, arrives at the Emirates from Swiss side FC Basel for a fee of around £7 million and could be in contention for the Gunners next game away to Stoke on Sunday, Wenger has said.

Speaking after his side's thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool at Anfield, Wenger confirmed that the club had completed the signing of their first player in the January transfer window, and his first outfield signing since Gabriel Paulista a year ago.

"Elneny will of course join us. He has joined us," said Wenger. "We will see if he can qualify for Sunday."

The deal was delayed as the club looked to secure a work-permit and visa for their new signing.

Xabi Alonso has revealed that he is "interested" to know how it works at Arsenal, and speaks to the Gunners' captain Mikel Arteta about the goings on at the club.

“I follow him very closely because we have kept in touch forever, from when he move from Everton to Arsenal,” Bayern Munich veteran Alonso told Arsenal’s official YouTube channel.

“I want to know how it works there in Arsenal, and he’s enjoying it so far.”

Arsenal are interested in Inter Milan players Mauro Icardi and Marcelo Brozovic, according to Italian agent Vincenzo Morabito.

When asked if Arsenal were interested in Icardi and Brozovic, Morabito told Corriere dello Sport: ”Yes, especially Brozovic.

“Maybe something will happen because Wenger feels that this might be their best chance to win the Premier League.”

Midfielder Brozovic, 23, is currently on Dinamo Zagreb, while striker Icardi, 22, has scored eight goals in 16 Serie A appearances for Inter this season.