Evening Standard
·11 April 2024
Evening Standard
·11 April 2024
Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino is set for summer transfer abroad, with his hopes of playing under Mikel Arteta dwindling.
The 20-year-old midfielder was highly regarded in the Arsenal youth set-up but has been unable to force his way into Arteta’s first-team plans.
Patino has been sent out loan at Swansea in the Championship this season and in the summer will have just one year remaining on his contract.
He faces renewed competition at Arsenal from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who looks set to be given a first-team push after signing his first professional contract last month.
Charlie Patino has made just two competitive appearances for Arsenal
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arteta is expected to sanction Patino’s exit this summer to allow Arsenal to cash in on him before his contract expires, with clubs in Spain interested in him.
Patino holds a Spanish passport through his father Jules, which would boost his hopes of moving to La Liga because clubs would avoid post-Brexit issues.
It also gives him further options in other European countries where his slight physique but technical gifts are expected to be more appreciated.
Charlie Patino has found minutes restricted on loan at Swansea
Getty Images
Patino has made two appearances for Arsenal, scoring on his debut against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup in 2021.
He had a more productive spell at Blackpool last season, but has not started for Swansea since January 1.