Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will make a decision on the future of Gedion Zelalem today and an exit could be imminent, according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.

What's the word?

Sat on the fringes of the first-team, Gedion Zelalem's future at Arsenal is said to have been decided today by boss Arsene Wenger and a deal for the youngster could be completed imminently, so the reports said this morning.

We're now in the evening and things haven't progressed thus far but a decision on Zelalem's future will likely be made by the end of the week, with Arsenal having a lot to decide regarding the 19-year-old talent.

Having impressed with brief cameos in the first-team, Zelalem has remained on the fringes of the side ever since and has not seen opportunities forthcoming this season. With his contract due to expire in the summer, it's crunch time for the Gunners.

What's the delay?

Arsenal's preference is likely to keep Zelalem in the long-term and that will mean negotiating a fresh contract before a loan deal is approved, which is likely to see Zelalem move to the second-tier of Dutch football to join VVV Venlo- who currently top the Jupiler League by seven points and look on-course to enjoy promotion to the Eredivisie.

If the Gunners cannot secure fresh terms, Zelalem may move permanently as this would be the last window where Arsenal can receive a fee for his services. Also, at the turn of the free, Zelalem has been free to talk with clubs outside of England about a pre-contract.

Should he stay?

At just 19-years-old, Zelalem has his entire future ahead of him at that could still be at Arsenal. Patience is necessary but with Santi Cazorla ageing, an opening in the first-team could raise it's head within the next 18 months.

The problem is that Arsenal still have Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Mohamed Elneny, Francis Coquelin and Granit Xhaka on their books, whilst the chances of Zelalem excelling in a more attacking role are limited due to a certain Mesut Ozil.

Having lost Serge Gnabry in the summer though, a player who seemed good enough for the first-team, losing an asset like Zelalem would be a huge blow. Following years of young players having opportunities at the club, they will not want to give the impression that things have changed.

As well as Gnabry, the likes of Benik Afobe have left North London following a lack of opportunities and the same is likely to occur to Chuba Akpom, now 21, who has Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and others ahead of him.

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