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
Gedion Zelalem for USA
Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images

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.

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Frank Simek

  • Joined Arsenal in 1996
  • Remained with Arsenal for nine years
  • Made one senior appearance
Frank Simek for USA
Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Frank Simek originally joined the Gunners in 1996 as a 12-year-old. He rose to captaincy with the reserves, but struggled to win himself any appearances for the first team as he had Lauren and Emmanuel Eboué ahead of him at right-back.

He did manage one appearance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 5-1 League Cup win in 2003, but this turned out to be his only appearance for Arsenal, before joining Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer in 2005.

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