Arsenal have signed 15 year old Swedish defender Kristopher Da Graca following a successful trial.

The promising youngster, who has emerged through the ranks at Gothenburg-based side Hisingsbacka FC, had previously spent time on trial with Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Chelsea, Aston Villa and Malmo.

However, after impressing during a short spell at London Colney, he will now move to the club on a permanent basis, although he will not be eligible to sign scholarship terms until next summer as he was born in June 1998.

The player himself confirmed the move in the Swedish media. He said: “It’s wonderful, it’s like a dream come true. I cannot describe how excited I am about this.”

Da Graca, who usually operates as a centre-back but can also play as a defensive-midfielder, is likely to be eased into English football slowly and will begin life at Arsenal in the U16 side, but could feature for the U18s as the campaign progresses. He joins fellow Swedish youngsters Kristoffer Olsson and Jamaal Raage at the club, but is also eligible to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally owing to his heritage.

via @HirooNakamura