Arsenal’s Gedion Zelalem close to Rangers loan move

RANGERS are close to agreeing a loan deal for the Arsenal midfielder Gedion Zelalem. It is expected the player will sign initially until January but with the option to stay for the season.

Gedion Zelalem: Set for Rangers deal. Picture: Getty Images

Born in Berlin to Ethiopian parents, he emigrated to the United States. The 18-year-old has represented Germany and the US at youth level and recently pledged his international future to America.

Zelalem is highly rated by his club manager, Arsene Wenger, and made his first-team debut for Arsenal as a 16-year-old in the FA Cup against Coventry City in January 2014.

He also featured in a Champions League tie at Galatasaray last season. He scored an impressive goal this week in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League against Fulham.

The expected signing of Zelalem will be Rangers manager Mark Warburton’s third loan deal in recent days. Last week he brought in two other players from north London, securing Tottenham Hotspur duo Nathan Oduwa and Dominic Ball on season-long deals.

Reports last night suggested Arsenal will not receive a loan fee for Zelalem.