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Arsenal midfielder Gedion Zelalem completes loan move to VVV Venlo

Gedion Zelalem has completed a loan move to Dutch second-division club VVV Venlo for the rest of the season, Arsenal have confirmed.

The United States under-23 international, who spent last season at Scottish club Rangers, made two substitute appearances for Arsenal in the EFL Cup this season but has yet to make his way into Arsene Wenger's first-team plans.

The 20-year-old Zelalem, who was born in Germany, had looked close to a move to Borussia Dortmund but instead becomes the latest Arsenal youngster to go to the Netherlands on loan.

The club's Dutch academy head Andries Jonker has also sent the likes of Dan Crowley, Tafari Moore, Kelechi Nwakali and Stefan O'Connor for stints in his native country this season.

Zelalem made 21 league appearances for Rangers last season, helping the club gain promotion to the Scottish Premier League.

Arsenal also sent striker Chuba Akpom out on loan to Championship leaders Brighton on Monday.