Arsenal starlet Catalin Cirjan has been promoted to the first-team setup after catching Mikel Arteta's eye in the under-23s.
The 18-year-old Romanian signed a professional contract with the Gunners 12 months ago after joining from Romanian outfit Viitorul Domnesti in the summer of 2019.
The attacking midfielder has one goal and two assists in six Premier League 2 appearances for the under-23s under the leadership of Per Mertesacker, plus a goal for the under-21s against Gillingham in the EFL Trophy.
The teenager has begun training full time with Arsenal's struggling first-team squad and a senior debut does not appear to be far away.
With the Gunners floundering in 14th place and under-performing in front of goal Arteta will be looking for any way he can find a spark in the final third to arrest their miserable run.
Cirjan's agent Catalin Sarmasan confirmed Cirjan's promotion on Twitter.
"Happy to confirm Catalin Cirjan is now officially part of Arsenal's first team squad," he wrote.
"He's got a fantastic progress ahead of him. He'll work hard and achieve his dreams! Good luck, Cata! I'm proud of you!"
Miguel Azeez, Folarin Balogun, Nikolaj Moller, and Ben Cottrell are other academy prospects who have trained with the senior players ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.
Ahead of the January transfer window, could Cirjan be the player that helps the Gunners save millions?
After all, technical director Edu has stated that the club are prioritising creative midfielder next month.
At the Arsenal fans’ forum last week, Edu answered questions from supporters, with one focusing on the club's plans for the upcoming window.
"It’s quite clear what we need," Edu said. "We need a player with creativity in the middle, we don’t have that in the squad right now."
