With all eyes on Arsenal ahead of their upcoming clash against Southampton, Catalin Cirjan has been called up to first-team training.
The 20-year-old is a talented attacking midfielder by trade, with Football Fan Cast claiming that he could be a successor to Martin Odegaard in the future.
As Arsenal prepare themselves to face Southampton on Friday night, Catalin Cirjan has been seen training with the senior side.
Photo: Arsenal wonderkid Catalin Cirjan spotted in training ahead of Southampton clash
Perhaps the biggest testament to just how much potential Cirjan really has is the fact that it was reported that Mikel Arteta considers him as one of the best talents the club have in their ranks.
So much so that the technician himself revealed that the Spaniard told him that he was ‘amazed’ by the quality he possesses.
Ahead of their upcoming contest against Southampton, Arsenal released the training images on their official website where Catalin Cirjan was seeing pressing Thomas Partey.
In fact, it seemed like Partey had lost control of the ball due to the Romanian harrying him to regain possession.
HITC View: Mikel Arteta clearly rates Catalin Cirjan very highly
For starters, how much of an admirer the Spanish tactician is of them gem in hand has come to light, which basically confirms the suspicion.
However, apart from that, it is telling that despite Arsenal finding themselves in a do-or-die contest for the league crown against Southampton, Catalin Cirjan was involved in training.
Several other managers would perhaps let youngsters like him play for the youth teams as it was time for serious business to start.
With Manchester City hot on the league leaders’ tails, the title is certainly in jeopardy.
But instead, Mikel Arteta seems to have full faith in the midfield prospect and seems to want him to learn what it is like to be involved in the preparation for such key fixtures.
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