This article about Catalin Cirjan was first written on 2 May, 2019. It was updated on 8 July, 2019.

16-year-old Romanian attacking midfielder Catalin Cirjan has arrived in England, completing his move to Arsenal after signing his contract earlier this season.

Cirjan’s move to Arsenal has been one of the worst-kept secrets in youth football. The teenager appeared on Romanian television last summer to talk about the plan for him to sign as soon as he turned 16 in December, which he then did.

The youngster didn’t join up with Arsenal immediately after signing though, remaining in Romania with third-tier senior side Viitorul Domnesti until the end of the season. Now he’s travelled to England, posting on Instagram about starting a ‘new chapter’ in his life. Arsenal should confirm the move this summer.

Cirjan had a trial with Arsenal last season, visiting the Emirates Stadium, playing with the youth team and even meeting up with former Gunner and fellow Romanian Vlad Dragomir.

Now Cirjan will settle into his new country before joining Arsenal’s 2019/20 scholarship intake along with the likes of Miguel Azeez, Yunus Musah, Hubert Graczyk and Mazeed Ogungbo. Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Kido Taylor-Hart, both of contributed to goals in the 2019 Dallas Cup last month, have also been offered scholarship deals.

Cirjan is a creative midfielder with excellent close control, and you can check out some of his highlights below from his youth days below:

UPDATE

Arsenal finally announced his arrival on 8 July, writing, “Catalin is a Romanian midfielder who recently joined us from Viitorul Domnesti, a local club in his home country. Catalin is a skilful player with speed and precision.”