Gedion Zelalem Joins Rangers on Loan Deal Until January

Arsenal midfielder Gedion Zelalem joined Rangers on a loan deal as the Gunners sought an opportunity for the highly rated American youth international to get more consistent playing time this season.  

Arsenal confirmed the deal in a club release, noting the loan went until January. On Aug. 18, the Guardian reported the young midfielder's deal has an option to remain for the season if he impresses. The 18-year-old rising star is the third notable summer loan addition after the club previously added Nathan Oduwa and Dominic Ball from Tottenham Hotspur.

"He was watching the game today in the stand," Rangers manager Mark Warburton said on Aug. 23, via the Daily Record. "He will be training with us tomorrow and will be part of the squad. I am delighted to get hold of him. I would like to welcome him on board. He is another young, very talented player."

Rangers beat out numerous English Championship sides looking to land Zelalem, with Keith Jackson of the Daily Mirror having reported on Aug. 19 that Fulham, Charlton and Birmingham City were all interesting in his services.

Joining the Scottish Championship side would help him gain the experience necessary to build toward becoming a vital piece for the Gunners in the future. It's also a team expected to contend for a league trophy, which is an added benefit to the potential move.

Going to a side like Rangers is the right move. It's all about seeing the field as much as possible. Staying with Arsenal, either in the youth system or at the back end of the first-team squad, wouldn't help nearly as much in terms of his development.

Ultimately, Zelalem is learning the same lesson many players do when they join high-profile clubs early in their careers. The competition for places on the squad is fierce, and it usually takes multiple loan stints before one of those coveted spots becomes available.

His future remains extremely bright thanks to his pace and playmaking ability. It's just going to take some time before he's able to make a regular impact at the Emirates Stadium.