“We need some more cover in midfield ideally if we can,” Arteta said. “In this market it’s pretty complicated to do that. The most important thing is that we get the performances and the time on the pitch that we need with the players we have available today that are already really good.”Arteta, whose side visit Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday, did not sound hopeful about Elneny.
Arsenal are five points ahead of City and have a game in hand on Pep Guardiola’s team but Arteta, who could rotate, rejected suggestions that the Cup tie could have a psychological bearing on the title race. The two sides are yet to meet this season, with their first Premier League meeting scheduled for 15 February.