Report: Arsenal's Zelalem inching closer to Dortmund move

With his progression seemingly stalled in Arsenal's youth set-up, playmaker Gedion Zelalem is reportedly eyeing a return to his homeland to join Borussia Dortmund.

The Berlin-born U.S. youth standout could be close to joining international mate Christian Pulisic at the Westfalenstadion, with ESPN FC reporting that the 19-year-old has become frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities at Arsenal.

After a breakthrough loan spell with Rangers last season, Zelalem has made just one substitute League Cup appearance for the Gunners this campaign. With his contract with the club set to expire in the summer, the Hertha Berlin academy product could be lured to Germany with the promise of first-team opportunities.

Another variable that could attract Zelalem to a German return is Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel.

Since taking over for Jurgen Klopp in 2015, Tuchel has displayed a tendency to entrust teenagers like Pulisic (18), Ousmane Dembele (19), Felix Passlack (18), and Emre Mor (18). The budding quartet have been mainstays in Tuchel's lineup this year, making 34 appearances for the club, pairing seven goals with a dozen assists in the league.