Arsenal are set to lose 20-year-old midfielder Charlie Patino this summer, with the Hale End graduate left frustrated by a lack of opportunities in Mikel Arteta’s first team.
Arteta has previously insisted that Patino is a part of the club’s long-term plans, but time is running out for the midfielder with his contract expiring in north London next year.
Patino has enjoyed loan spells at Blackpool and Swansea since making his senior debut for the Gunners but has struggled to assert himself in the EFL. Thus, there’s a sense that Arteta’s project has bypassed the highly-regarded midfielder, who’s set to reassess his options this summer.
⚪️ Charlie Patino is expected to leave Arsenal in the summer. Clubs in Spain are interested him and Ethan Nwaneri’s emergence is prioritised by Mikel Arteta. https://t.co/YmfWtyWE1a
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) April 11, 2024
Patino faces stiff competition in the youth ranks from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who recently signed a new contract with the club having made a couple of cameo appearances for Arteta’s side this season.
Chances for Arsenal’s young guns have come few and far between over the past couple of years, with Arteta yet to place his faith in Hale End.
Patino was once destined for stardom in north London, with some regarding the silky midfielder as a potential long-term replacement for Granit Xhaka.
However, his rather underwhelming loan spells suggest the 20-year-old is far from ready to feature regularly for an Arsenal side chasing the most lucrative honours. You’ve got to consider that the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira are struggling for minutes in midfield, also.
According to The Standard’s Nizaar Kansella, Arteta will sanction Patino’s sale this summer so Arsenal can cash in on the 20-year-old before his contract expires. Spain appears to be a possible destination for the midfielder, with Patino boasting a Spanish passport and thus avoiding any Brexit-induced complications.
Given Patino’s issues out of possession and especially physically in the Championship, a move to La Liga would certainly suit his profile.