Ian Wright names the one Arsenal youngster he really wants ‘to watch’ this season

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has announced that he will step down from his punditry role on BBC Match Of The Day at the end of this season.

The former striker has been in his role for the last 27 years since retiring from his playing days, and has claimed that he wants to spend more time both with his family as well as going to games as a fan.

Wright has also singled out Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino as a player he wants to see more of, but has not been able to as a result of his Match Of The Day commitments.

Patino is regarded as one of Hale End’s brightest talents, and is currently on loan at Championship side Swansea City.

Ian Wright wants to watch Arsenal gem Charlie Patino

Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, Wright explained that he is keen on watching some younger talent more often, and has even been messaged by Patino on Instagram.

“When you speak to players, even like on Insta you can link with players, like someone like Charlie Patino,” he stated.

“I’ve been promising Charlie. I want to go and watch him.”

Charlie Patino’s impressive loan form at Swansea

Patino has been regarded as a top talent at Arsenal for years, but looked set to depart the club in search of regular football in the summer, before performing a U-turn and accepting a loan deal rather than a permanent one.

The 20-year-old has been a key figure for the Welsh side, scoring three times and providing four assists in 17 appearances this season, although the Swans have struggled as they find themselves in 18th place.

It is unclear whether he will have a place in the Arsenal squad next season, given that the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira are struggling for game time behind Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.

There have been shock links with Juventus, and should he push for a move, there will be no shortage of demand in Patino.

His messages to Wright may indicate that he sees himself being part of the Arsenal team next season, and as a local academy star, his long-term affiliation with the club means he may be more inclined to stay than push for a move.

He has now built up a fair amount of experience in the Championship, and next season may be make or break for him when it comes to his chances of long-term success at Arsenal.