---
title: "Gedion Zelalem closing in on Dortmund transfer"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2017/01/10/gedion-zelalem-closing-dortmund-transfer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Michael Oliver"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2017-01-10T10:07:47Z"
modified: "2017-01-10T10:07:47Z"
---

# Gedion Zelalem closing in on Dortmund transfer

Only making four appearances for the Arsenal first-team since arriving, it’s believed that Gedion Zelalem is poised to leave the club this month.

According to the [Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/borussia-dortmund-closing-deal-arsenal-9593842), Zelalem is believed to be closing in on a return to Germany with a move to Borussia Dortmund

The 19-year-old was born in Berlin and spent several years in the academy at Hertha Berlin as a schoolboy before moving to America with his father in 2006 where he continued his football development.

Zelalem was spotted by Arsenal in 2013 as an impressive teenager they could add to their Development squad and he made the move that January.

Tipped for a big future, Zelalem hasn’t quite made the progression into the Arsenal first-team that he’d hoped he would despite a strong loan spell with Rangers last season where he tallied eight assists in 28 games.

A former Germany youth international, Zelalem switched his international allegiance to the USA and he’s a regular in the U20 squad.

It’s believed a return to the Bundesliga with Dortmund would interest the midfielder and with his contract up in the summer, Dortmund wish to sign Zelalem on loan until the end of the season before snapping him up on a free transfer for a nominal compensation fee.

[ESPN](https://www.espnfc.com/story/3035274/arsenals-gedion-zelalem-near-move-to-borussia-dortmund-sources) sources also believed that Dortmund would be interested in signing the attacking midfielder on a permanent basis this month for a cut-price fee.