INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven announced its first international signing of the 2021 offseason on Monday with the addition of Venezuelan forward Manuel Arteaga. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Arteaga comes to Indianapolis with 10 seasons of professional experience. The 26-year-old has previously suited up in numerous professional leagues across South America and Europe. The native of Maracaibo, Venezuela, has spent most of his time in that country’s Primera (First) Division, where he averaged 0.48 goals per 90 minutes while scoring 65 times across 162 appearances for Zulia FC (2010-15), Deportivo Anzoátegui SC (2013-15), Deportivo La Guaira FC (2017-19), and most recently Zamora FC (2019-20).

“Manuel Arteaga is a true ‘number 9’ who will provide both a physical and technical presence inside and around the penalty area,” said Indy Head Coach Martin Rennie. “He is a proven and talented goalscorer and we look forward to the impact he will have in our attack in 2021.”

In addition to playing for Bolivian powerhouse The Strongest (2016-17), Arteaga has also competed at the highest level in Europe with Parma (Italy) and Hajduk Split (Croatia) amongst others. In all, Arteaga has notched 68 goals for his clubs spanning 199 professional appearances since making his debut at the age of 16 for Zulia in 2010.

Arteaga also has experience within the Venezuelan Men’s National Team structure, having represented La Vinotinto at the Senior, U-17, and U-20 levels. He has registered six appearances for clubs in CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana action, the premier club tournaments for South American sides.