GEDION ZELALEM hopes Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be pleased with his superb start to the season with Rangers.

The midfielder has started four times for the Light Blues since making the move north of the border and has made an instant impact for Mark Warburton’s side.

Zelalem is one of the most highly-rated kids on the books at the Emirates and was sent out on loan to the Gers to gain vital experience in a first team environment.

And the 18-year-old is determined to continue impressing for the Gers and ensure there are plenty of positive reports making their way to Wenger’s desk.

Zelalem said: “Arsenal always text me when there is a scout coming to watch so they know I am progressing, even in training because they talk to the gaffer so they know how I’m training.

“That would be the first-team coaches speaking to the manager here and they will watch my games too so hopefully Arsene Wenger will get good feedback about me.

“The problem with some clubs is that they put your out on loan and forget about you but that is where Arsenal are different; it’s not just me they keep an eye on everyone and don’t forget them.

“Mark Warburton has told me I need to work on my defensive game, trying to get up to the ball quicker and tracking my runners – all stuff you have to do at the top level, especially in the Premier League.

“That was what he was saying to me in those pictures of us sitting down on the training field, that Arsenal know I am good on the ball and creating chances but they want to see more from me defensively.

“It helps that the manager talks to you individually so that you know what he wants from you, especially as a young player.”

A move to the Championship may not be seen by many as the ideal way for Zelalem to improve his game to the levels required to make a breakthrough at the Emirates.

But the playmaker reckons the intensity of playing for Rangers will more than stand him in good stead as he looks to shine on the big stage in the future.

“This is very different; the pressure is really high, especially here where it’s maybe on you more than at other teams,” he told rangers.co.uk

“There are 50,000 fans that will get on your back if you’re not performing well, so it is different pressure but it’s good for me.

“Having a crowd there is definitely a lot more motivation because in an under-21s game you can become quite complacent.

“That level is good for development when you are 16 or 17 but when you are 18 or 19 you have to push yourself to go out on loan and play first-team football.”