Gedion Zelalem joins Rangers on loan from Arsenal
Monday 24 August 2015 18:18, UK
Rangers have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Gedion Zelalem on loan until January.
The promising 18-year-old has made two senior appearances for the Gunners since joining the club in 2013 and has been allowed to further his development at Ibrox by manager Arsene Wenger.
By making the move to the Scottish Championship club, Zelalem becomes Mark Warbuton's 11th signing since he replaced Stuart McCall as Rangers manager in June.
"This is a great opportunity for me at a massive club. I was at the Hibernian game and the fans were incredible, so I'm looking forward to playing here," Zelalem told RangersTV.
"Playing in front of 50,000 fans will replicate what it will be like at Arsenal, and the media spotlight is also similar.
"The manager wants to play great football too, and they were all factors in my decision to come here.
"Everyone knows the name 'Glasgow Rangers' so right away I was interested."
Zelalem also revealed a chat with Arsenal team-mate Jon Toral, who spent last season on loan at Brentford during Warburton's time in charge at Griffin Park, helped him make his decision to join Rangers.
He added: "The training is similar to what we do at Arsenal – everything is on the ground with possession-based stuff, so I'm getting used to it very quickly.
"The manager trusts young players – and you saw that in his time at Brentford. Jon Toral was on loan there last year, and he also plays for Arsenal, so I spoke to him and he had nothing but great things to say about the manager.
"Before I came, I had a look at the facilities the club has and they looked incredible, but you're never sure until you are actually there.
"It's definitely Champions League level though."
Warburton told the club's official website: "It's nice to have him on board and a lot of work has been done. I'm thankful to some really good people at Arsenal and the work done by people here at Rangers.
"There is no doubt he is a very talented young player and I'm sure he'll have an impact for us."
Rangers have also confirmed the loan agreement for Zelalem will be reviewed in the new year.
