20-year-old Arsenal midfielder can still be a star, Mikel Arteta is right to back him

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Mikel Arteta has now finally spoken about the possibility of Charlie Patino returning to Arsenal beyond his loan spell this summer.

Arteta was speaking at his press conference ahead of a trip to West Ham United tomorrow, and was asked about the midfielder’s future.

And Arteta did reassure fans that Patino does have a pathway back to the Arsenal first team.

Patino’s development has been of keen interest to Arsenal fans in recent years.

One of the most talked about names at Hale End in recent memory, fans have been surprised that the midfielder hasn’t yet made it to the first team.

Patino looked to have incredible potential when flying through the youth categories at Arsenal, but that hasn’t equated to first team chances.

Instead, the 20-year-old has taken a different path and is now enjoying his second Championship loan spell away from the club.

Naturally, that has caused some Arsenal fans to wonder if the midfielder will ever make it in North London.

But those fans should keep the faith, especially given Arteta’s latest comments.

Arteta suggests Patino can still make it at Arsenal

Although not the path imagined, Patino could end up returning to Arsenal in a much better position to help the squad.

The left side of Arsenal’s central midfield could end up being the perfect spot for a player who did look to have so much potential.

Bukayo Saka is an amazing example of a player progressing seamlessly from Hale End to stardom at Arsenal.

But such examples shouldn’t mean that the likes of Patino, who don’t find it that easy, are written off.

The midfielder has only just turned 20, and will soon have two seasons of competitive football in the Championship under his belt.

And although there was some talk of Patino leaving Arsenal permanently in the summer, Arteta may now be beginning to change his mind.

Patino does need to continue his progress and hard-work at Swansea, but there’s no reason why he can’t be a star for Arsenal in years to come.

And speaking of ones for the future, Amario Cozier-Duberry now looks like he deserves a chance in Arteta’s first team. 

The winger has been impressing for Arsenal under-21s and may deserve some minutes against West Ham tomorrow.