Catalin Cirjan is joining the Arsenal u23 squad ahead of next season, following an encouraging first campaign in English youth football.

Arsenal Youth report that Cirjan will be under consideration for most u23 matches next season, despite playing the entirety of this season at u18 level. A strong passer and close-control dribbler, there’s no doubting the midfielder’s ability.

Cirjan started his Arsenal career in great form with the u18s, assisting three goals in his first couple of games and scoring his first in the Premier League Cup in September, a confident finish:

Catalin Cirjan with his first goal for #AFCU18 💥

And how about that assist from @MiguelAzeez? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/6tZzWCkzz3

— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) October 1, 2019

The midfielder then went through a tougher spell towards the end of the year, as the team struggled as a whole. But that’s standard for the first season with a new club.

The important thing is that Cirjan bounced back. In his last two starts before the break, he scored three more goals, and he earned the chance to train with the Arsenal first-team in March. His talent is clear when you see him play, it’s just about building on it.

There’s no doubt the teenager wants to succeed at Arsenal. His father confirmed to Daily Cannon that his son was a fan of Thierry Henry as a child, and provided the video to prove it.

The u23s is the next step on that journey to playing for the first team someday.