Promising 18-year-old Catalin Cirjan promoted to Arsenal first team

Promising 18-year-old Catalin Cirjan has been promoted to Arsenal’s first team by manager Mikel Arteta, according to his agent Catalin Sarmasan.

Cirjan joined Arsenal from Romanian side Viitorul Domnesti in the summer of 2019. During his time at the club, he progressed from the Under-18 side to the Under-23 team before being promoted to the first team. He scored three goals and provided three assists in 20 appearances for the Under-18s. During his time with the Under-23 side, he has scored two goals and provided two assists in nine appearances. 

The Romanian youngster is a central midfielder who is capable of playing on the wing. He signed his first professional deal with Arsenal in December 2019. He is yet to make his first team debut for the Gunners. The 18-year-old has impressed staff at London Colney and is now training with the first team. He was involved in a training session along with Miguel Azeez, Nikolaj Moller, Folarin Balogun and Ben Cottrell on Monday. 

Arsenal are currently 15th in the Premier League table and in dire need of positive results. They are lacking in the creativity department and as a result, have scored just 12 goals in 14 Premier League games this season. It will be interesting to see if Arteta provides opportunities to young players like Cirjan to turn the tide in the North London side’s favour starting with the club’s Carabao Cup quarter final against Manchester City at the Emirates later today.