Arsenal midfielder Catalin Cirjan has joined Rapid Bucuresti on loan, with an option to buy for the Romanian first-division side.

Rapid Bucuresti confirmed on Friday that Catalin Cirjan will join the club on loan for the 2023/24 campaign, and the club will have an option to buy at the end of the campaign.

Cirjan will now join up with his new team at their training camp in Slovakia.

Rapid play in Liga I, the top tier in Cirjan’s home country of Romania. The player admits this move was long in the works.

“It was a long-awaited transfer for me,” Cirjan said. “If it was up to me I would have signed from the first moment, but I’m glad I’m here now.

“The first thing that motivated me to choose to come to Rapid was the match I played against Rapid in the Romanian Cup, when I was 14 years old.

“I felt like a footballer, the atmosphere in the stands, the Rapid fans were extraordinary. I was impatient to come and play at the Giulesti.”

“I received several offers, but I discussed with my family, with my agent, with Mr. Șucu, with Mr. Mutu, and the staff,” Cirjan added. “After talking with them I realized that coming to Rapid is the best choice.

“I’m feeling very well. Last season was a very good one. I’m 100 percent ready and I’m looking forward to showing what I can do on the field.

“I can’t wait to start working with Mr. Mutu. Those from Arsenal when they heard that he was the coach of Rapid were amazed, they were very happy. He is a legend and I have something to learn from him.

“I’m thinking of the title, for sure. I came here with very big goals. I want to help the team with everything I can, I will give everything on the field and, at the end of the season, I hope to bring the title.”

After spending the entire 2021/22 campaign absent through injury, Cirjan signed a new deal with Arsenal on his return to fitness.

The midfielder then returned to the pitch in pre-season ahead of 2022/23, playing his first minutes in 480 days.

After such a long time out, it was encouraging to see Cirjan going on to play 19 of the Arsenal u21s’ 26 Premier League 2 games, and he also made the step up to Mikel Arteta’s squad for four Europa League fixtures.

The 20-year-old now needs the chance to play senior football, and Rapid Bucuresti are offering him that opportunity. His performances in the coming season will then determine whether they decide to take up their option to buy.