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Remembering five of Arsenal’s American players

By on August 14, 2025

As one of the most prestigious clubs in English football, Arsenal have always been able to attract talent from a variety of foreign territories. While nations like France and Spain have been responsible for some of the club’s most iconic players, American players have also played their part, despite some of them failing to make it to the first team.

After all, as a nation, the United States of America lags behind other countries when it comes to its football infrastructure. As such, players from the States generally opt to move to Europe to pursue their dreams, despite the growth of the MLS in more recent times. In a country where fans tend to watch the NBA and bet on the best players in the NFL by looking at today’s NFL MVP odds, it’s tough for American footballers to make it in the sport. However, Arsenal has nurtured some fine players from that part of the world, with many of them going on to have solid careers in the beautiful game.

While these American players haven’t always hogged the limelight and delivered for the first team, they’re still a part of the Gunners family. With that in mind, we highlight just five of them below.

Danny Karbassiyoon

Somewhat of an unsung hero, Danny Karbassiyoon has progressed through the academy system to become a scout for Arsenal. Despite making just three first-team appearances, the 40-year-old former left-back was a talented footballer in his own right, eventually leading him to play for the likes of Ipswich Town and Burnley on loan. However, his eye for spotting a talented youngster eventually saw Karbassiyoon join the club’s impressive scouting network, with the Roanoke-born scout being behind some of the club’s shrewd business in the transfer market over the years.

Matt Turner

Signed as a backup goalkeeper in 2022, Matt Turner joined Arsenal with a solid reputation behind him after impressing in America for the New England Revolution. While Turner wasn’t the most outstanding goalkeeper the club has ever had on its books, he was a consummate professional who was ready in waiting should the club’s first choice stopper at the time, Aaron Ramsdale, pick up an injury. After recently joining French side Lyon, Turner is embarking on the next chapter of his career.

Auston Trusty

Not many Arsenal fans will remember the name Auston Trusty, particularly as the defender didn’t feature for the first team after loan spells with Birmingham City. Now at Celtic, Trusty failed to break through at Arsenal after joining in 2022. However, it’s great to see the former Gunner now turning out for arguably the biggest club in Scotland.

Gedion Zelalem

At one stage, while shining for the academy, plus his nation at youth level, Gedion Zelalem was regarded as one of the brightest young talents in English football. However, the now-28-year-old, who plays for USL Championship club New Mexico United, failed to live up to the hype surrounding him and has essentially become a bit of a journeyman. Unlike Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere, the midfielder was unable to cement his place in the first team fold after making a few appearances in various cup competitions.

Folarin Balogun

Folarin Balogun was never seen as one for the future at Arsenal, eventually forcing the New York-born striker to seek first-team football opportunities elsewhere. Since moving away from the club, Balogun has matured immensely, scoring goals in French football for both Reims and Monaco. Also, now a full international, Folarin Balogun has gone on to forge a successful career for himself in the sport.