According to reports in the Daily Star and Mirror recently, Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach are interested in a possible move for Gedion Zelalem this summer.
The 20-year-old midfielder, currently out on loan at Dutch side VVV-Venlo, will be hoping his performances on the continent provide coaching staff with the belief that his ability is sufficient to warrant a first-team chance.
Since his FA Cup appearance in 2014, the talented youngster has benefited from a loan spell at Scottish side Rangers. In addition, he was a mainstay in Steve Gatting’s u23 side this term before opting for a loan move in search of regular football at senior level.
Serge Gnabry’s been a standout performer for Werder Bremen since his summer switch and it’ll give Gedion some food for thought over his long-term future.
Tottenham’s Nabil Bentaleb has enjoyed his season on-loan in the Bundesliga with Schalke. The highly-rated midfielder is expected to join permanently and Zelalem has examples to assess where he realistically sees himself in coming years.
Ultimately, a move to Germany is feasible from his perspective. Born and raised in Berlin, he could return to his birthplace and wouldn’t have excess pressure on him to perform – but at Arsenal, there is increasingly high expectations with regards to youngsters coming through the ranks.
Zelalem needs a convincing loan spell before he can commit his future anywhere. With that in mind, reports suggested Arsenal gave him a contract extension before his loan was finalised – highlighting the hierarchy’s faith in his ability to gradually establish himself.