Manchester City’s global network has again borne fruit with the capture of Australia’s most promising young football talent, Daniel Arzani, who is expected to be immediately loaned out, with Scottish giants Celtic his most likely destination.

Arzani, whose substitute appearances for the Socceroos at the age of 18 made him the youngest player to feature at the 2018 World Cup, follows in the footsteps of compatriot Aaron Mooy, who swapped Melbourne for Manchester two years ago before being loaned out and eventually singed by Huddersfield for a club record fee.

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The rise of Arzani, now 19, has been rapid. He was promoted from the A-League side’s youth setup in the 2016-17 season and at the age of 17 he forced his way into the first team. A series of eye-catching performances made him a regular fixture in Warren Joyce’s starting XI last season and resulted in a clamour for the exciting attacking midfielder to be included in the Russia-bound World Cup squad.

“In a short period of time, Daniel has developed into one of Australia’s brightest young stars and has demonstrated the drive and raw talent required for success at the highest level,” City Football Group’s managing director of global football Brian Marwood said.

Arzani is set to link up with fellow Socceroo Tom Rogic in Glasgow, where it is hoped the exposure to a higher level of football than he has previously been used to in Australia will finesse his undoubted raw talent.

“Having the chance to train and play in Europe is a dream come true and a challenge I’m confident will only help me improve as a player,” said Arzani. “Melbourne City has a unique position in Australia with a clear pathway for young, ambitious players to first challenge themselves against Australia’s best, and then progress to Europe to play against the world’s best.”

