Arsenal: Gedion Zelalem has a unique opportunity

It remains to be seen whether or not Gedion Zelalem can return to prominence at Arsenal. If not, a unique opportunity exists for him.

It was not too long ago that Gedion Zelalem was being touted as the ‘next best thing’. However, things have not quite gone to plan.

After arriving from Olney Rangers, Zelalem impressed during the 2013/14 east Asia pre-season tour with his “vision and easy rhythm”.

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Loan spells at Rangers F.C. and VVV-Venlo were relatively uninspiring, and a devastating anterior cruciate ligament tear sustained at the 2017 Under-20 World Cup in South Korea has left Zelalem sidelined for an extended period. He is now very much on the periphery.

The next two or three years will be pivotal in his footballing career. His contract expires next summer, he must continue to rehabilitate his injured knee and regain his fitness before showing the football world that he was not just a flash in the pan.

Arsenal may decide to keep him in London in the short-term so that they can keep a close eye on his progress. However,  Zelalem is in a unique position to capitalize on a growing American Soccer scene.

Major League Soccer is beginning to earn its due. Wayne Rooney, David Villa, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are the superstars, but it has established a reputation as a league where young players are given chances to thrive — 17-year-old Alphonso Davies has just been signed by Bayern Munich in a record sale for MLS after working his way through the ranks at the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Although Zelalem was born in Berlin, he moved to Montgomery County, Maryland with his family in 2006. He spent time in the Potomac Soccer Association and Real Maryland FC systems before becoming a key cog in a talented Olney Rangers side. Danny Karbassiyoon was soon made aware of his aptitude, and the rest is history.

Zelalem is a naturalized U.S. citizen, meaning that he would not occupy an international roster spot on an MLS roster. The only concern from a buying perspective is that his wage would likely command a Young Designated Player roster spot, though most MLS teams would be willing to take on a domestic talent like Zelalem for such a roster position.

Possible MLS destinations include the Colorado Rapids — who are also under the Kroenke Sports Enterprise ownership umbrella — and D.C. United, his local MLS team.

The question remains as to whether Arsenal see MLS as a place where a prized asset can rehabilitate and subsequently thrive, or whether Zelalem will even return to prominence in north London at all. Nonetheless, for Gedion Zelalem, the possibilities are endless. His career is not done for just yet.