Sporting KC sign Zelalem from Arsenal

Sporting KC announced Monday the acquisition of Gedion Zelalem from Arsenal.

The MLS side confirmed the transfer after Zelalem signed a contract that runs through the 2019 season and includes club options for 2020 and 2021.

"Gedion is a talented player and we are excited to welcome him to the club," Sporting KC manager and sporting director Peter Vermes said. "We look forward to his integration into the squad as the team competes in multiple competitions throughout the season."

With his Arsenal contract set to expire this summer, Zelalem's transfer will not include a fee, sources told Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star.

The holding midfielder joined Arsenal six years ago and featured with both the youth and senior squads. He also spent two loan spells with Scottish side Rangers and VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands.

Zelalem, 22, was born in Germany and played for the country's national team at various youth levels. He obtained U.S. citizenship in 2014 and has played for the U.S. men's under-20 and under-23 squads.