On Monday we covered Dutch reports that Arsenal were considering loaning Gedion Zelalem to VVV Venlo. The Dutch club are in the second division, but 7 points clear at the top of the table, and Arsenal were prepared to think about a loan.
De Telegraaf reports on Tuesday that both Zelalem and an Arsenal delegation watched the club at the weekend, working out whether it was a reasonable destination.
The answer was ‘Yes’, and after Arsene Wenger also gave his approval to a switch, Zelalem started to go through the medical tests needed to complete a switch. De Telegraaf says the 19 year old was at VVV’s training ground on Monday afternoon, with the deal all agreed.
The Dutch newspaper claim Borussia Dortmund have been left disappointed, having tracked Zelalem for months. The youngster’s Arsenal contract expires at the end of the season and Dortmund had been eyeing a free transfer.
However, according to De Telegraaf, Wenger has organised an Arsenal extension for Zelalem, which is why he’s happy to send the player out on loan.
Dortmund are said to have believed they were in pole position, whilst there was also interest from Hoffenheim.
