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U.S. youth international Gedion Zelalem is on the move once again. The Arsenal midfielder has joined Dutch second division leaders VVV Venlo on loan for the rest of the season.
Arsenal's Gedion Zelalem joins Dutch 2nd-tier leader VVV Venlo on loan for rest of season. Medical yesterday, Wenger approval today #gunners
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) January 24, 2017
Last season, Zelalem made a similar move to the Scottish second division with Rangers to help them gain promotion to the SPL. Venlo currently hold a seven point cushion atop the Eerste Divisie standings.
On the surface, this is a curious move considering we’re just a few weeks removed from Borussia Dortmund supposedly being hot on the trail of the 19-year-old. Not only that, he’s joining a club who have had great success this season already. While our knowledge of their depth chart is basically nil, you’d have to assume they have a good base of players they are comfortable with.
This is rather dumbfounding. The Dutch second tier is not a good level. At all. Is Zelalem's stock down that much? https://t.co/ni69a8l1QE
— LeanderAlphabet (@LeanderAlphabet) January 24, 2017
We can only hope that they are in need of a specific type of midfielder and he’ll get the playing time he needs for the remainder of the season.
According to Arsenal Nexus, Zelalem extended his contract at Arsenal before making the loan move official. He’ll apparently be returning to the Emirates after his loan spell.