Swansea manager discusses the ambitions of Arsenal loanee Patino

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Swansea City manager Michael Duff has given his verdict on the progress that Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino is making at the club.

Charlie Patino joined Championship side Swansea City on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal in the recent summer transfer window. The 19-year-old midfielder has settled into life quickly at the Welsh club. 

So far this season, Patino has made seven appearances in the second tier of English football, quickly establishing himself as a regular starter for the Swans. He has already racked up one goal and three assists.

Michael Duff has certainly been impressed by what he’s seen from the England under-21 international so far. As quoted by The Athletic, the manager said, “you forget how young Charlie is sometimes. There are not many people his age playing every week in the Championship.”

At one stage it looked as though Patino was destined to leave Arsenal on a permanent basis, as reported by The Athletic. However, the Gunners ultimately convinced the talented youngster to stay, and only depart on a temporary basis. 

It seems that a future at the Emirates Stadium is now very much at the forefront of Patino’s mind. As Duff said, “he’s really ambitious, but there is a reality and work ethic with it…he’s prepared to work every day…his ambition is to play for Arsenal, but he needs to play well for us. We’ll hopefully help him along the way.”

A potential pathway in place for Patino

Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker, and of course Mikel Arteta, will be keeping a close eye on how Patino progresses throughout this season. With Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny all in the twilight years of their career, there could be a path into the Arsenal first team for Patino next season.

In order to be seriously considered for a role at Arsenal, though, the youngster needs to show that he can be consistent. He has impressed for Swansea so far, but the true measure of his readiness will be whether or not he can consistently have an impact on matches throughout a full campaign.

If Patino can reach his potential, though, then he has the capacity to be a future star for the north London club.