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Why Nottingham Forest should make a move for Arsenal’s Gedion Zelalem

Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton (Reuters)
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Nottingham Forest have been linked with Emerson Hyndman, but should consider making a move for Arsenal’s Gedion Zelalem.

Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton

When Mark Warburton signed Emerson Hyndman for Glasgow Rangers earlier this season, he immediately drew comparisons between the Bournemouth man and Gedion Zelalem.

He said to Rangers’ official website: “Both are very good ball players, both see the picture early and both have a wonderful array of skills and a silky first touch as well. I’m looking forward to seeing Emerson play and he knows the challenge.”

Zelalem had been on loan at Rangers from Arsenal last season, and highly impressed with his showings at Ibrox.

Warburton appeared to get the best out of the midfielder, and Rangers missed his ability in possession over the first half of the campaign.

To cover for the loss of Zelalem, Warburton decided to move for Hyndman in January – and the American has put in some brilliant performances for Rangers.

Hyndman has scored four goals in 11 matches, and his good form has led to suggestions that he could join Rangers in the summer.

Warburton’s new club, Nottingham Forest, are also said to be interested in Hyndman (Nottingham Post), but competition for his signature is fierce.

Celtic have also reportedly made enquiries to snap up Hyndman (Daily Record), with Brendan Rodgers keen on the 20-year-old.

It means that Forest could face a real battle to sign Hyndman, but Warburton may have more luck if he moved back for Zelalem.

The Arsenal man is highly regarded at the Emirates Stadium, but he has struggled to make a breakthrough.

Zelalem has been sent out on loan again this season, and he has is currently at VVV Venlo.

Zelalem has now reached the age of 20, and he is in need of first-team football – which Forest may be able to offer him.

And if Warburton remains a fan of the Berlin-born midfielder, it may be far easier to secure his signature this summer than Hyndman’s.

Rangers' Gedion Zelalem (R) in action with St Johnstone's Simon Lappin