Gedion Zelalem, a 16-year-old German with an Ethiopian father, has been training with the first team and is expected to be promoted to the squad next season.
But it is Zelalem, discovered playing high school football in the USA, who will attract most attention as he is likely to emulate Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere by making his debut in the Capital One Cup team next season.
Zelalem was not even attached to a professional side when he was spotted by Arsenal's US scout, Danny Karbassiyoon, but plays in the same position as Wilshere and Fabregas.
His father - Zelalem Woldyes - was granted asylum in Germany, where his son was born.
Though the youngster was enrolled in Hertha Berlin's youth programme, the family moved to Washington DC in 2006, where he was playing for Walter Johnson High School when he came to Arsenal's attention.
Arsenal youth coach Steve Gatting said: 'He came out of it with a lot of credit.
He's only 16 and that was the first game he's played for the club at a competitive level, and what a place to make your debut. 'He came out of it well.
He's got a bit of presence on the pitch.' Zelalem has been selected for Germany at youth team level but has also trained with the USA, where he is applying for citizenship.