Ikonomidis, 22, wears the time-honoured badge of squad bolter after electric performances for A-League pacesetters Perth Glory that couldn't be ignored.
He's the only man to travel to the United Arab Emirates for January's tournament that was yet to earn a call-up by Arnold.
And he thanked a long-term Arnold rival - Glory boss Tony Popovic - for convincing him to make the switch West to ignite his international career.
"I took a risk coming back to the A-League and coming to Perth," the former Lazio man said.
"I did much research on the club and the ambitions. They've helped me get back into the Socceroos frame.
"(Popovic) was overwhelmed with pride for having a player join the national team. So, thanks a lot to him and the work he's put in."
Ikonomidis has benefited from Arnold's emphasis on taking a flexible, sharp-footed attack fleet to the Asian Cup.
"He really wants to play a really attacking, attractive brand of football with quick attackers going one on one and guys that like to get in the box and score goals," he said.
