Arsenal legend Paul Merson has expressed his surprise at the club's imminent signing of FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny.

The former Gunners star concedes that he was hoping for a more high-profile signing who can have an impact in the North London club's chase for an elusive Premier League title.

"I thought they would go for a real key signing," Merson told Sky Sports.

"Someone for £30m-odd. I don't think he'll go straight in the team, instead he'll be a squad player for the games coming up.

"It depends how quickly he settles, though."