Arsenal may have their own Anthony Elanga in teenage prospect Catalin Cirjan

Manchester United have high hopes for Anthony Elanga following his Premier League debut against Leicester, and Arsenal could have their own future superstar in Catalin Cirjan.

Mikel Arteta promoted the 18-year-old into his first-team squad back in December following his permanent signing from Romanian outfit Viitorul Domnesti in 2019.

The central midfielder, who is yet to make his top flight debut, quickly progressed from the under 18 into the under 23 side before being hand picked to train with the senior stars.

Born in 2002, Cirjan also has the ability to play out wide, and could make his Premier League bow next season as Arteta looks at his options with the Gunners still struggling.

Arsenal wrote when he signed his first pro deal: "The 17-year-old playmaker joined our academy as a scholar from Romanian side Viitorul Domnesti in July 2019, and impressed heavily on his debut in the U-18 Premier League, providing two assists in a 5-1 win against Aston Villa.

"He's already made a total of seven appearances in the under-18 Premier League this term, totalling three assists in five starts.

"Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Cirjan on his first professional contract and we look forward to seeing him progress."

"From today, he will train daily only for seniors, he is confidently waiting for his debut in the Premier League," his agent Catalin Sarmasan told Metro last year.

Before tweeting: "Happy to confirm @CirjanCatalin1 is now officially part of Arsenal's first team squad.

"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!"

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    • Despite the defeat for his side on Tuesday, Elanga's message after the match could provide Arteta extra motivation to hand his youngster a debut before the season is up.

    "An honour to make my debut tonight," Elanga wrote on Instagram.

    "Everyone knows how much this Club means to me. It’s been a long journey to this point and I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my family.

    "There are so many people that I am thankful for in making this dream come true."

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