Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reveals plan to utilise Mohamed Elneny at centre back this season: 'When he plays there, he does extremely well'

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Arsene Wenger believes he can call on the services of Mohamed Elneny to solve Arsenal's defensive worries ahead of the Premier League season.

The French boss looks destined to continue with his formation of three at the back which he has utilised throughout the sides tour of Australia and Asia. 

With Shkodran Mustafi still to return from Confederations Cup duty with Germany and Gabriel out injured, Egyptian international Elneny has stepped into the void, moving from his preferred holding role in midfield.

Mohamed Elneny is likely to be converted to centre back this season, Arsene Wenger has said

The 67-year-old has revealed he has been impressed with the Egyptian's performances on tour

And Wenger has revealed the move could be permanent after admitting he has been impressed by his performances against Bayern Munich and Chelsea.   

Overall, I played players like [Mohamed] Elneny in a back three and he has coped very well,' Wenger said ahead of the Emirates Cup this weekend. '[Ainsley] Maitland-Niles sometimes played at centre back as well, even in the big games against Chelsea. 

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

'The advantage we have is that we have a good stability in our squad, so I already know who I can combine with who, more or less. 

Elneny spent the majority of last season slotting into a holding role in the middle of the park

'Elneny is a player who has a fantastic mentality and attitude, and his main target is to help the team. When he plays there, of course he does extremely well. 

'I always felt that a good central midfielder can be a good centre back. 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 was also allowed to cast his eye over a host of academy prospects during their stint abroad.

Wenger revealed Reiss Nelson could be in line for more first team experience this weekend

The likes of Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock have also caught the eye and the 67-year-old admits that we could be seeing plenty more of the pair this weekend as Arsenal face Benfica and Sevilla.

'This time, I believe that you will see Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock,' said Wenger when asked about who could be given a chance to shine at the Emirates Cup.

'Maybe Cohen Bramall as well. We also had Eddie Nketiah, who is doing very well, Donyell Malen, who is doing very well, on tour but there is not necessarily room for them to play. They have all shown interesting qualities on the tour.'