Arsenal are reportedly interested in Steaua Bucharest winger Ianis Stoica, with Mikel Arteta eyeing further younger additions to his attack.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal are prepared to step up their interest in Romanian prodigy Ianis Stoica in the coming windows. Mikel Arteta remains keen to bring young attackers to develop at the club, with the 18-year-old Steaua Bucharest winger one of his preferred targets.
Arsenal have relied too much on their youngsters in recent seasons, achieving a decent degree of success along the way. With Mikel Arteta overseeing a sizeable overhaul of his playing squad, the club has invested heavily in young players rather than going the usual route of buying experienced stars.
After the brilliant success of academy graduates such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, Arteta is keen on developing more players in the same mould. However, as seen in the summer window, Arsenal are prepared to bring in players from the transfer market without relying only on their academy to produce the talents.
The arrival of Nuno Tavares, in particular, should be a standing example of progress. The Portuguese left-back has climbed his way into Arteta’s plans in recent weeks, and despite his underwhelming performance against Liverpool last weekend, he has become an important part.
Arsenal are linked with some bright, young names such as Karim Adeyemi, who remains on the shortlist of several clubs across the continent. The Gunners want to continue rebuilding their squad in the next windows and might take the measures to bring in necessary players.
The latest name to be connected with a move comes from Romania. Steaua Bucharest prodigy Ianis Stoica is the player Arsenal are keen on signing. The 18-year-old prodigy has caught the eye after some impressive performances in his homeland.
Arteta wants a long-term option on the right-wing to compete with Saka, who has recently become Arsenal’s first choice in the position. Stoica is considered perfect to be developed under the Spanish manager, who has grown discontent with Nicolas Pepe in recent weeks.
Pepe’s future is up in the air, with Arsenal exploring opportunities to replace him in the next window. In any case, the Ivorian is expected to depart next summer if he continues to perform badly in an Arsenal shirt.
Stoica might not be considered a like-for-like replacement for Pepe, but Arsenal are linked with players like Raheem Sterling to fulfil that role. The Romanian prodigy could be a long-term option to be developed systematically at the club and compete for places in the next few seasons.
With a contract expiring in 2023, the 18-year-old Romanian winger could move in January or next summer. The interest from Arsenal could turn his head in favour of moving to the Premier League, while many might suggest it could be too soon for a transfer away from Romania.
