Wenger to give midfield sensation first-team shot next season

Arsene Wenger is set to throw Gedion Zelalem, currently on loan at Rangers, into the deep end next season.

With the likes of Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, a number of spots in the first-team squad will be up for grabs and with reports that a deal for Granit Xhaka is close, Wenger has started looking elsewhere.

According to the Telegraph, the Frenchman is happy with what he has seen of American Zelalem and wants to test him in the first-team in the coming campaign.

On loan currently at Rangers, the 19-year-old has garnished plenty of praise from boss Mark Warburton and is clearly comfortable in possession – something that will be much required if he is to have a shot at playing with the first-team.

There is still a possibility that Zelalem will go on loan to a Premier League or Championship side but having impressed during his time in Scotland, he could find himself battling for a place in the first-team as early as next season if he can showcase his talent during pre-season.