Arsenal have had a fairly quiet January so far, but according to the latest reports, they are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for a midfielder.
The Guardian say that although the talks are not advanced, Arsenal and Dortmund are currently discussing a deal for midfielder Gedion Zelalem. The American midfielder has failed to make the step up to the first to for Arsenal yet, and even though he has two and a half years left on his current contract, the Gunners could be open to selling the 20-year-old should a suitable offer arrive.
This may be a little concerning for Arsenal fans. A few years ago Serge Gnabry and Zelalem were dubbed as future first team stars, but neither player have smoothly managed to transition into a first team player. Questions need to be asked why, because it is not because they lack talent, as several big clubs, like Dortmund, have been interested in the duo.
Zelalem is probably frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities since returning from a loan spell at Rangers. He was barely even used in the League Cup this season and with just two fit senior central midfielders currently at Arsenal, you would expect that if he were to get a chance soon, it’d be now. However against Preston Zelalem did not even make the bench with the likes of Maitland-Niles, Josh Da Silva, Chris Willock and Jeff Reine-Adelaide all featuring ahead of him in the squad.
With that in mind, it is no surprise to see links like this emerge.
Arsene Wenger must struggle to see a future for Zelalem, now 20, as he hasn’t introduced him into the team regularly yet. As good as Zelalem is technically, he has struggled to develop physically and that casts doubt over whether or not he can make it in the Premier League, an arena that demands physical cooperation.