Patino shares key advice he was given by trio of Arsenal academy graduates

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Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino has shared the advice he was given by three graduates of the club’s Hale End academy system.

Charlie Patino has opened up about the words of wisdom he has been given by Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, and Emile Smith Rowe.

These three senior England internationals all came through the north London club’s academy system at a similar time, and are all now part of Mikel Arteta’s first team squad.

Patino is keen to follow in their footsteps, and is currently making good progress towards this ultimate goal by impressing for Championship side Swansea City.

The 19-year-old midfielder has quickly established himself as a key figure at the Welsh club. Patino has made nine appearances in the second tier so far this season, and has contributed one goal and three assists.

Arteta and academy director Per Mertesacker will be keeping a keen eye on the England under-21 international’s development throughout the campaign. 

The Spanish coach is already well aware that Patino is a player with vast potential. He handed the youngster his first team Arsenal debut in December 2021 as a substitute against Sunderland in an EFL Cup clash. Patino found the back of the net on his Gunners bow.

Patino has Arsenal academy success stories to inspire him

Arsenal fans will all be hoping that Patino can kick on now and make the grade at the Emirates Stadium for the long-term.

Saka, Smith Rowe, and Nketiah will certainly be supporting the youngster in that endeavour. They have already been on hand to aid the teenager. 

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Patino shared the advice that the trio gave him when he initially joined the first team group for training at London Colney. 

Patino said, “when I first went over to train with the first team, Emile, Eddie [Nketiah], Bukayo, they came over to me, put their arms around my shoulder and just said, ‘Enjoy yourself, play with a smile on your face and just express yourself’.”

Patino certainly seems to be enjoying himself at Swansea currently, and will hopefully return to Arsenal at the end of season full of confidence and ready to fight for a place in Arteta’s immediate plans.