Gedion Zelalem to decide future after USA tour

Gedion Zelalem, the 19-year old American midfielder, will make a decision on his future following Arsenal's pre-season camp in the United States. The midfielder has been a regular during pre-season for Arsenal, first making his name on the Asia Tour in 2013, when he was just 16. Zelalem, who played 28 times in the second division of Scottish football for Rangers, believes he is good enough to play in the Premier League after his loan campaign.

Speaking in his press conference before the MLS All-Star Game, Arsène Wenger echoed those sentiments, but also added a strong indication that Zelalem would go on loan, saying, "he might take a bit longer to mature because he was physically a little bit behind on body structure but I'm sure he will be a great player." The best way for Zelalem to mature physically, beyond growth spurts and gym work, is to play regularly, and ascertain the physicality of top flight, first-team football for himself.

Despite an excellent passing range, and a Mesut Özil like eye for a pass, Zelalem won't get that at Arsenal, not least after the club added Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka, while also promoting Alex Iwobi to the first team. Zelalem, though, has time on his hands; he is only 19, and has only spent three years in academy football, whereas the likes of Iwobi and Jeff Reine-Adelaide have a longer background in professional football. Arsenal fans will get to see Zelalem on Thursday night against the MLS all-stars.