Cohen Bramall signed for Premier League giants Arsenal on Tuesday just a week after being made redundant from his factory job with luxury carmakers Bentley.
The 20-year-old defender -- who had previously failed to convince Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday to take him on after trials with them -- signed for a reported fee of £40,000 (46,000 euros, $48,500) from non league side Hednesford Town.
"Incredible, incredible. It's a dream come true. I can't believe that I'm here already," he told the Arsenal website.
"I played a game at Birmingham City on a Monday. Then on the Tuesday, I was made redundant from Bentley Motors and on the Wednesday, Arsenal came in.
"I was gobsmacked and took the chance with both hands. I drove down on the Wednesday and trained with the first team on Thursday and Friday. Then they offered me a deal."
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said last week that Bramall reminded him of Gunners defending great Ashley Cole.
Bramall -- who may end up crossing swords with another former Hednesford product in Wales captain and central defender Ashley Williams who is at Everton -- will first get a taste of Under-23 action and faces competition to make the senior first team from Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs.