On 4th July, we take a look back at all the Americans who have signed for Arsenal over the years…all four of them!
Gedion Zelalem
- Joined Arsenal in 2013
- Has made four senior appearances for the Gunners
- Hasn’t yet made his senior debut for the USA
The only American currently on the books for Arsenal, Gedion Zelalem is a promising young central midfielder with an eye for a pass. He first appeared on the radar of most Gunners fans in the summer of 2013, when he unexpectedly made Arsenal’s squad for their Asia tour.
After impressing on that tour against the Indonesia Dream Team, the Vietnam national team and Japanese side, Nagoya Grampus, he carried this good form into the Emirates Cup, but unfortunately picked up an injury after the season got underway.
However, he then signed professional terms with the Gunners in January 2014, and made his debut from the bench in a 4-0 win against Coventry. In the following three seasons he’s made three more appearances for the senior side before being sent on two loans, to Rangers and VVV-Venlo.
Still only 20, Zelalem would have been be hoping to get more chances for the senior side, or a more high-profile loan, next season, however he is currently sidelined for between six and nine months with a ruptured ACL.
Daniel Karbassiyoon
- Joined Arsenal in 2003
- Made three appearances, scoring one goal
- Now works as a scout for Arsenal
Originally joining Arsenal as a forward, but later becoming a left-back, Daniel Karbassiyoon is the only American to score a senior goal for Arsenal. That goal came on his debut, in the 90th minute of a League Cup match against Manchester City in October 2004, and ended up being the winner as the match ended 2-1.
After two more appearances, both in the League Cup, and a loan to Ipswich Town in 2004/05, he was eventually released by the club in the summer of 2005. He retired from professional football two years later, aged 22, due to persistent knee problems, and returned to Arsenal to become a scout.
He has since been credited with scouting current squad members Joel Campbell and the previously mentioned Gedion Zelalem.