The former New Hanover standout has been the buzz of online soccer forums this week, and both his mother, Nancy, and Wake Forest coach Jay Vidovich confirmed he’s forgoing his senior year of college to sign with Everton of the Premier League.

The club, however, has not announced his signing on its Web site, and Arnoux has not yet been able to return messages because he is already in England.

“He spent a week there (in the spring), he was playing at a special level,” Vidovich said Friday. “The experience was great. It was fun to see his impression after being in a soccer country. You could just see the growth in him.”

The 2005 North Carolina player of the year with New Hanover High School, Arnoux went on to score 33 goals in 64 college games, became a two-time NCSAA All-American and is the latest player in a pipeline of Demon Deacons playing professionally.

“We’ve run the gamut of emotions,” Vidovich said. “How exciting is it for an American, much less a college player from your program, going to one of the top-five in the Premiership?

“How spectacular, and next thing you know you lost a two-time All-American, probably 20 goals this year.”

Located in Liverpool, Everton is one of the oldest clubs in England and has the longest tenure in the country’s top division, 107 years.

According to an ESPN.com story, Arnoux could be on the team when it plays the MLS All-Stars on Wednesday in Salt Lake City.

Most English-based fans replying on message board threads were scurrying to find information on Arnoux, with many saying the club couldn’t hurt itself taking a chance on a good American college player.

“I think this is why the excitement for Cody,” Vidovich said. “I really don’t think there’ll be many Premier League teams looking at older players. Arsenal, ManU (Manchester United), they’re looking for younger players in the U.S. system, 14-, 15-year-olds.

“That’s what makes his situation unique and special.”