Zelalem close to loan deal at Dutch club

Arsenal youngster Gedion Zelalem is nearing a loan deal with Dutch side VVV Venlo ESPN says.

The midfielder is expected to seal his move to the Eerste Divisie club in the coming days. Zelalem has appeared just once as a sub for the Gunners this season in the EFL Cup and is desperate for first-team football.

The United States under-23  has come through the ranks at the Emirates stadium and has been labelled as a future first team regular at the club.

Zelalem who moved to North London in 2013 after being spotted playing in America. The 19 year-old spent much of last season on loan to Rangers, playing a hand in the Scottish giants’ promotion back to the Scottish Premier League.

The promising playmakers’ fortunes have since stalled and it appears he no longer has the patience to continue in the youth set up. Zelalem’s contract is due to expire at the end of this season, Zelalem could leave the Gunners permanently.