BREAKING: Mikel Arteta actually called up ‘highly-rated’ 19-year-old Arsenal prospect to first-team training last week
Mikel Arteta called up ‘highly-rated’ Arsenal prospect Catalin Cirjan to first-team training last week, according to the Athletic.
The 19-year-old has endured a difficult time over the past year having suffered multiple knee injuries.
The midfielder joined the Gunners from Romanian outfit Viitorul Domnesti back in 2019 and has made 40 appearances for Arsenal’s youth sides.
But Cirjan was back amongst the first-team training sessions and is clearly a player Arteta has high hopes for.
Arsenal Training Session
Arteta called up Cirjan to training last week
The youngster finally returned to pre-season action for the U21s, 480 days since his last game.
And the Romanian midfielder also made his competitive comeback against Swansea City last month.
Now, Arteta has given him another opportunity to train with the first-team.
Cirjan was training with Arteta’s men last week in the build-up to their clash against Manchester United.
He is also ‘highly thought of’ by staff at Arsenal, notes the Athletic.
Reports have suggested that Cirjan remains very ‘highly-rated’ at Arsenal, despite his recent injury setbacks.
And this is clearly the case as the North London club even handed him a new deal during his spell on the sidelines.
Arsenal U21 v Swansea City U21: Premier League Cup
Cirjan could finally get his opportunity to make his debut for Arsenal this season with plenty of games coming up in the Europa League.
Arteta has shown that he is willing to give younger players a chance and the early stages of the Europa League could be the perfect opportunity for the youngster.
The Gunners kick-off their European campaign against FC Zurich tomorrow night and it will be interesting to see if Cirjan is involved.
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