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Gedion Zelalem could be on his way out of Arsenal - with the midfielder potentially returning to the United States six years after moving to north London.

Football.london understands that talks are continuing between Arsenal and MLS outfit Sporting Kansas City over a permanent deal for the 22-year-old.

Despite the transfer window being shut in Europe, the move can happen now as the new MLS season has only just got underway across the Atlantic.

Zelalem first arrived at the Emirates in 2013 after he was spotted by Arsenal’s American scout Danny Karbassiyoon while playing for Maryland-based side Olney Rangers in a Dallas Cup match.

After initially joining the Gunners’ academy the talented teenager soon started to progress through the age group and he made his debut for the Under-21s aged just 16.

In July 2013 he was included in Arsenal’s squad for the summer tour to Asia and some stellar performances saw him labelled as the next Cesc Fabregas.

He was named on the bench for Arsenal’s second Premier League game of the 2013/14 season, but an injury halted his impressive progress in his tracks.

He did, however, make his senior debut later that season, coming off the bench in an FA Cup win against Coventry and in doing so becoming the youngest ever played to represent the club in the FA Cup.

A series of injuries then saw Zelalem’s progress flatline. He did spend a successful season on loan with Rangers in 2015/16 but couldn’t force his way into Arsene Wenger’s plans upon his return.

Another loan followed, this time to VVV-Venlo in Holland where he played a part in the club’s Eerste Divisie title success in 2016/17.

But it was soon after that title victort, that Zelalem was rocked by an injury that was to keep him out for 16 months.

The midfielder was away with his national team at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea when he ruptured the cruciate ligament in his right knee.

He started the first game of the tournament against Ecuador but was forced off after just 34 minutes of the 3-3 draw and has faced a torturous journey back ever since, one that has been beset by setbacks.

Arsenal took up an option on his contract, which meant his deal was extended to 2018 during his recovery, but problems saw his return date pushed further back on several occassions.

Zelalem eventually made his return earlier this season and has made a handful of appearances for the Under-23s, scoring in a 2-2 draw against Brighton in January.

But with his contract up in the summer, the midfielder's exit is inevitable and it could be that he now leaves without seeing out the remainder of the deal.

Zelalem is still in England, but talks over the move to Kansas are progressing well. With just a matter of months left on his contract, any fee Arsenal would receive for the midfielder would be nominal.

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