The dead body of a man has been found on the patio of a home owned by Arsenal and Egypt midfielder Mohammed Elneny in the city of Mahalla al-Kubra, about 100 kilometres north of Cairo, reports BBC Sport.

The discovery was made by the player’s father who reported the matter to the police.

Police have said the dead man was attempting to steal electrical cables. It’s believed he was electrocuted during the theft.

Website 24.ae however states that police, who have still not identified the dead man, are still trying to determine if this was an accident or a criminal act.

The house is under construction and had recently been handed over by the Elneny family to a charity to be used as an office.

Elneny was missing from Arsenal’s Emirates Cup squad that played Lyon in London yesterday afternoon, as the Gunners lost the pre-season friendly 1-2.

The Egyptian international midfielder joined the club from Basel three years ago and has played 46 Premier League games since.

According to reports, the 27-year-old was one of three players offered to Crystal Palace in exchange for bringing Wilfried Zaha to the north London club.