Gunners land starlet

The 19-year-old had been on Arsenal's scouting radar for some time having impressed at youth level for the Bundesliga outfit.

Eisfeld has starred for Dortmund's youth side this term, with six goals and six assists to date having alerted Arsene Wenger to his potential.

Tomas Rosicky and Jens Lehmann have previously trod the path from Dortmund to North London, with Eisfeld delighted to make the same journey.

"I feel very proud to have signed for Arsenal. This is a great club, with many great players, and I'm so happy to be joining Arsenal," he told the club's official website.

"It's a real honour to be team mates with the great players at Arsenal, and also training everyday with players like Tomas Rosicky - who I grew up watching play at Dortmund. I will give it everything I have here and do my best to make the manager, players and fans happy.

"I would also like to thank Borussia Dortmund, where I played for the last seven years, for everything they have done for me. I had a great time there, and there were many wonderful coaches who helped me get to where I am today."

Gunners boss Wenger was equally delighted with wrapping up the deal: "Thomas is a player we have liked for some time. We've watched him closely this season, where he has excelled for Dortmund's youth team.

"He is young but has proven to us that he can play, that he has the attitude and technical ability to be a valuable addition to our squad. We're very pleased to welcome him to the club and look forward to his contribution in the coming seasons."