According to the Romanian news outlet, Playsport, Arsenal are among the clubs monitoring Ianis Stoica. The FCSB winger has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Romanian football, with the Gunners scouting him for well over two months. They are expected to enter the market for Stoica next summer, although they are set to face stiff competition from Galatasaray and Bologna.
Who Is Ianis Stoica?
A native of Bucharest, Stoica has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence recently, thanks to his blistering performances in the Romanian top-flight. The youngster had initially made his professional breakthrough last season, during a loan spell at CSM Slatina.
The winger scored a total of seven goals for Slatina in the second division before returning to Bucharest in the summer. Since then, Stoica has earned himself a breakthrough at FCSB, starting the season with four goals and two assists in just 12 league matches.
Stoica has impressed the onlookers with his raw pace and technical qualities, while his productivity in the final third has transformed him into arguably the most gifted young player playing in the Romanian top-flight at the moment.
The 18-year-old is yet to win a single cap for the Romanian national team, but given the way he has performed so far, it is only a matter of time before he becomes a prominent part of the Tricolorii.
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Do Arsenal Require Stoica?
Arsenal‘s interest in Ianis Stoica is interesting given the fact that the youngster does not offer too much experience at the highest level. Considering the current state of the squad, it is apparent that the Gunners currently require proven talents who can offer competition for the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
However, what makes Stoica such an appealing target for Arsenal is his sheer potential. At the age of 18, the young winger has already shown what he is capable of and he could potentially become one of the best players in Eastern Europe if he can replicate his services in a bigger league.
Given his age, Stoica will be an excellent long-term investment for Arsenal next season, potentially even serving as the long-term replacement for Nicolas Pepe. The Ivorian is facing an uncertain future at the club after a disappointing start to the season.
Stoica, in that regard, could be a valuable option as Mikel Arteta continues to build his attack around young players. The Romanian is unlikely to cost a fortune either, making him a solid option for the Gunners.
