Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino is closing in on a one-year loan move to Championship side Swansea City.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that the 19-year-old will be heading out on a temporary move to the Welsh side, and this news will come as a huge relief for Arsenal.
Patino was previously keen on a permanent exit this summer, and as one of the biggest talents in the Hale End academy, it would have been hugely disappointing to lose such a bright prospect.
However, Romano has now revealed that Patino, whose contract runs until 2025, will head to Michael Duff’s side for the upcoming season, with the deal at the ‘final stages’ of negotiations.
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The midfielder spent last season on loan at Blackpool, who were relegated from the Championship. However, he was a bright spot in their team, scoring three and assisting four times in 37 appearances.
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Former Blackpool manager Michael Appleton described the teenager as “outstanding” during the early stages of his loan spell, and he is held in high regard at Arsenal.
His old academy coach Brian Stapleton even described him as “the best kid I’ve ever seen,” and Mikel Arteta clearly has a long-term plan for him, having brought him on for his Arsenal debut in the League Cup two years ago, in which he scored.
Losing him on a permanent deal will have been disappointing given the potential for Patino to become a key figure in years to come, and there may be a long-term place for him in the squad. With the likes of Jorginho, Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey ageing, Patino could be a younger face to freshen up the squad in a year or two.
His ability to play in multiple midfield roles means that he can be moulded well to fit this current system once he gains more experience, and a loan at Swansea could see him battle for a promotion spot, rather than fight in a relegation battle as he did last season.
Arsenal will definitely be monitoring his progress at Swansea closely, and they will hope to eventually tie him down on a longer contract if he has a productive season.