Rapid Bucharest have confirmed the loan signing of Arsenal youngster Catalin Cirjan.
The 20-year-old midfielder returns to the city of his birth for the 2023/24 campaign where he’ll gain valuable experience of senior football playing for ex-Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu.
The Romanian side have an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
Cirjan joined the Gunners in 2019 and signed a new contract this time last year but his time in London has been hampered by serious knee injuries.
While he was on the bench in the Europa League a few times last season, his only taste of first team football came in December’s friendly win over Lyon in the UAE.
“I’m feeling very well,” Cirjan told Rapid’s official website.
“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.”
Cirjan, what hopes I had for you! I wish you the best of luck!
Looks like he’s turning out to be just another Masal Bugduv.
That was quick!
Let’s hope we see some Rapid improvement.
Otherwise instead of booking a flight back to London he might need to book a rest
Fair play. Pun of the day.
Nah, he’ll Romain there.
“Book a rest” very subtle thetefore brilliant.
“I have something to learn from Mutu”, hope it is only about the technical side of the game.
sniff
Think you need to blow your nose
It’s pretty dope how Mutu still has a career in football
‘Those from Arsenal when they heard that he was the coach of Rapid were amazed’
Tbf I think most of were probably a little taken back by this news too…
One of many academy talents in their now or never moment in terms of an Arsenal future. Good luck to him.