Gedion Zelalem has expressed his desire to force his way into the Arsenal first team despite fierce competition for places in that department at the Emirates Stadium.
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The American wonderkid has impressed whilst away on international duty at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup this summer and some of his tricks and flicks have been shared around the world via social media.
Vine: Amazing skill from Arsenal U21 midfielder Gedion Zelalem https://t.co/bErmlTSvU4
— Arsenal FC (@ArsenaIStuff) June 14, 2015
Zelalem https://t.co/OlhqwHiVb7
— Sam (@samuelJayC) June 7, 2015
Zelalem is highly-regarded by manager Arsene Wenger, who handed the 18-year-old a first-team debut against Coventry City in the FA Cup round during the 2013-14 season.
However, he failed to make any appearances last season as he found it tough to dislodge the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey in a star-studded midfield area for the North London outfit.
Wenger hinted during the season [via ESPN] that he could send Zelalem out on loan next year in order to get first-team football under his belt and the youngster is willing to give that a go:
“I’m going to go back for pre-season and try to get into the first team and play some games,” he said [via Express Sport].
“If I can do that, great. If not, I’ll look to get out on loan somewhere. It’s a dream come true to be at a club like Arsenal and I want to get into the first team this season, play minutes and start matches,” Zelalem added.