The 'Gunners' are desperately short at the back with Shkordran Mustafi still to return from extended leave and Gabriel out injured, leading to both Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles being called into action at the heart of the defence in pre-season.
Wenger admits he has been impressed by Elneny and hinted that it could be an option long-term to play him as part of a back three.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Emirates Cup, Wenger said: "I played players like Elneny in a back three and he has coped very well. 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."
The 67-year-old was full of praise for the Egypt international: "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," enthused Wenger.
"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."
It remains to be seen whether Wenger will continue playing a back three this season, but if he does he has already stumbled across a fresh option.