Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino was once the biggest talent in the Hale End Academy, but he now faces an uncertain future.
Patino spent last season on loan at Championship side Swansea City, where he made 35 appearances in all competitions, but returned to Arsenal at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract, and it seems unlikely that he will gain many first-team opportunities under Mikel Arteta if he is to remain at Arsenal.
Patino started as Arsenal under-21s began their pre-season campaign in a friendly away at Boreham Wood, and he played the entire first half as manager Mehmet Ali played two different teams in each period.
How Charlie Patino performed on Arsenal return in under-21 friendly
Patino started in a deep midfield role as Arsenal lined up with a shape that became a back five in possession.
The former Blackpool and Swansea loanee returned to Academy football, having made his first-team debut under Arteta in 2021, and it was obvious that he was the most experienced player in his side.
The England youth international played in a deep role, often dropping close to the centre-backs to pick up the ball, and helping play it forward with some smart passes.
Despite dictating the play, Patino was not afraid to push forward, making several runs into space, but his teammates could not pick him out at the edge of the box.
Patino, alongside most of his outfield teammates, was withdrawn at halftime, with Arsenal leading 3-1 courtesy of a brace from Salah Oulad M’Hand and a header from Omar Rekik.
Salah Oulad M’Hand was the star of the show with his brace, but Patino also performed well, with his technical ability on the ball shining through at times as he adjusted back to playing in an Arsenal shirt.
Charlie Patino faces uncertain Arsenal future
Right now, the expectation is that Arsenal and Patino part ways this summer, before he leaves on a free next year. A permanent move to a club where he can play regularly could be ideal for him.
It is unclear whether Patino would be included amongst the first-team options heading to the USA on pre-season tour if a move does not materialise before then, but the midfielder knows that he will need to keep playing at a high level rather than dropping back down to under-21 action for the season.
The midfielder scored on his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup in 2021, and was considered a star for the future. It now appears that Arsenal will prioritise the development of Ethan Nwaneri, who came on at halftime and scored within minutes.
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