Gedion Zelalem Bolstering Arsenal Future With Prolonged Loan Deal

Arsenal look set to extend Gedion Zelalem’s loan with Scottish side Rangers after the current deal runs out in January. Great move for all parties?

After a very up and then very down loan at Rangers, Gedion Zelalem appears set to extend his loan deal to the end of the year, according to the Metro. The Arsenal product is getting better and better. He is still just 18, however. He still figures to need more first-team action elsewhere before he can challenge for a spot on the Arsenal senior squad.

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Rangers manager Mark Warburton was very outspoken in his praise of the young American. He said in the report from the Metro:

“So far, we are in good shape. The feedback from Arsenal has been very positive. He is speaking to his family and, hopefully, we are closing to securing him. The current deal is until January, but, as long as everyone is happy, we will extend that. I have been delighted with his contribution and the last game he played for Rangers was his best so far. We have a great relationship with Arsenal and our job is to make sure they know their asset is being developed properly.”

It has been a year of incredibly healthy learning for Gedion Zelalem. After getting off to a fantastic start at his loan side, he soon fell into a period of heavy criticism as he often appeared ‘lazy, bored and lacking in passion’. But that same type of appearance has often been seen in Mesut Ozil. If Zelalem is learning to play like Mesut Ozil, then Arsenal is in for a treat when he matures.

Zelalem had been assisting fairly frequently in the physical second tier of the Scottish League. The Rangers were benefiting immensely from Gedion Zelalem’s contributions. Likewise, Arsenal was benefiting from having Zelalem, who is often questioned for his size, tested in a strong league.

The Arsenal youngster spoke about his learning experience not long ago and how he was learning to cope with the physicality. Zelalem cited that he was not learning to be more physical. He was instead learning how to work around being in such a position. He aims to get the ball and pass it, while not lingering. Although Zelalem has often showed strong dribbling ability as well, it was always his passing that was going to launch him to potential stardom.

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Gedion Zelalem is learning how to be a key piece in a physical league. Those are two things he would not be learning playing in the Arsenal reserves. He is growing as an impact player and give him another few years and he could be ready to fight for a spot on the Arsenal starting roster.

Until that time, though, let the education continue.