Arsenal v Tottenham: Gedion Zelalem set to make Gunners history becoming the first player to make debut having been born after Arsene Wenger became manager
Midfielder was born four months after Wenger became Arsenal boss in September 1996
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Your support makes all the difference.Gedion Zelalem could make Arsenal history in the FA Cup tie against Tottenham on Saturday. The 16-year-old, born in Germany on 26 January 1997 of Ethiopian descent, will become the first player to play for the Gunners who was born after Arsene Wenger took the Arsenal job in September 1996.
The midfielder has yet to sign a professional contract with the club, and has been an unused substitute twice in the Premier League this season. He is ready to return from injury after two months sidelined, with Wenger considering shuffling his midfield pack for north London derby at the Emirates after a hectic festive season.
Zelalem was spotted by Arsenal scout and former Gunner Danny Karbassiyoon playing in the Dallas Cup, and impressed during the club's pre-season tour.
“I don’t listen to any hype or anything like that,” Zelalem had said. “I just listen to my parents and the people around me who love me. They keep me grounded, so it’s fine.
“I have really high expectations for myself, so, hopefully, I might be able to make a few appearances this season.
"But I’m still very young, so I have a lot of work to do. I will keep working hard and stay positive all the time.”
Video: Arsene Wenger on clash against Spurs
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