Arsenal have promoted midfielder Catalin Cirjan to their U23 squad ahead of next season.
Cirjan joined the Gunners last summer from Viitorul Domnesti having previously impressed on trial and enjoyed a productive first season at the club.
The 17-year-old signed his professional contract earlier this season and he also trained with the first-team.
Cirjan made 15 league appearances for the U18s, during which he scored three goals and provided three assists, while he featured in the FA Youth Cup.
Undoubtedly one of the standout prospects in the Arsenal academy at present, Cirjan is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or slightly deeper in midfield.
The Romania youth international is an excellent passer of the ball and possesses superb technical ability, although he isn’t the strongest physically.
Cirjan has yet to feature for Arsenal at U23 level but that is set to change next season, even though there is much competition for places in midfield, with the likes of Matt Smith, Jordan McEneff, Miguel Azeez and Ben Cottrell at the club.
It is possible that Cirjan will still play some games for the U18s, but he will be under consideration for most U23 matches and will hope to make a major impact at that level.
One comment