Klinsmann confirms Arsenal wonderkid is ready for senior USA role

Jurgen Klinsmann has admitted that Arsenal prospect Gedion Zelalem is ready for a senior role with the USA national team.

Zelalem has yet to make a Premier League appearance for Arsenal, but USA head coach Klinsmann has told ESPN that the youngster is ready for international football.

The 18-year-old has registered Champions League and FA Cup minutes across last season and the ongoing one, and is believed to be one of the best talents in the illustrious Arsenal academy.

Able to play for both the US and Germany - and having represent the latter at three youth levels - there was a big fight for his services last season, despite his young age. First-team opportunities look limited with the Germans due to the strength of their squad, but the USA seemingly will offer him opportunities, and Zelalem appears to have chosen them.

The process for his eligibility is set to be completed by April, according to US Soccer president Sunil Gulati, as reported by ESPN, and head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has admitted that Zelalem is already good enough to play for the senior side.

Also speaking to ESPN, the former Spurs hero said: "I think he's already at a level that he can definitely play on the senior team. He's a special player.

"I want to see how he interacts with the whole group and what level he is. Definitely I would like to see him with me first."

There is always the chance that Zelalem will train with the USMNT before being relegated to one of the youth sides - the Under-20 World Cup is coming up, as well as the 2016 Olympics - but, if Klinsmann feels as if he is ready for international football, there is no doubt that he must almost be ready for the Gunners first-team.

Should Zelalem be playing for Arsenal's first-team?