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Arsenal miss out on the next USMNT star! RB Leipzig seal deal for USA-Croatia dual national Dino Klapija

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  • Arsenal miss out on highly-rated teen
  • Signs with RB Leipzig
  • Has USA & Croatia international eligibility
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the 16-year-old has signed with the Bundesliga side from NK Kustosija, and will join their ranks this January. He snubbed Mikel Arteta and the Gunners after the Arsenal boss failed to win over his family, reports the Daily Mail, with the Bundesliga outfit offering a clearer path to first-team soccer.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Klapija is one of many young dual-nationals who could opt to represent the USMNT in the near future. Also Croatian-American, recent commit Rokas Pukstas has come onto the scene and represented the USA at the U-20 World Cup in 2023. The 19-year-old has been dubbed Croatia's "most promising" talent and is set to be their next big blockbuster export.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Klapija began his youth career in the MLS academy of New York City FC, and was born in New Jersey. He was called up by the USA U-17 for a training camp last October in preparation for the U-17 FIFA World Cup.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR KLAPIJA?

    The USMNT prospect will look to break into the Leipzig first team over the next year, while also getting minutes with their reserve side. Eventually, the 16-year-old will hope to be on the radar of USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter or Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic by the 2030 - or even 2026 - FIFA World Cups.

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