Arsenal announce loan deal for North American star

A deal to extend Gedion Zelalem’s loan stint until the end of the season has been completed by Rangers. 

After initially agreeing a six-month loan deal last summer, the Arsenal youngster was expected to leave the Scottish club this month.

However, Zelalem, who has represented the US national team on youth level, will now be included in the squad to face Hibernian on Monday after impressing the Rangers camp.

“Gedion is with us,” said Rangers manager Mark Warburton. “We talked to [Arsenal] as part of an ongoing process. It’s about us creating an environment here where clubs of that stature trust us with their players.

“That’s important medically, nutritionally, training-wise, [in terms of] game-time, experience and that their players will go back to their clubs better individuals on and off the pitch.”

The 18-year-old joined Arsenal in 2013 before making his debut for the first team less than a year later.