Popular Arsenal starlet has been tracked by Euro club director ‘for a long time’

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Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino is thriving out on loan at Championship side Swansea City, but his future at the Emirates is far from clear.

The 20-year-old nearly departed on a permanent deal in the summer before changing his mind and going on loan, but he will have just one year left on his contract at the end of this season.

There has been speculation in recent months linking him with Juventus, and it seems that the Italian giants have held a long-term interest in him thanks to one of their directors.

Patino is one of the biggest talents to come through Arsenal’s Hale End academy in recent years, and even scored on his professional debut against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup.

However, given how competitive Mikel Arteta’s midfield roster currently is, with Martin Zubimendi also potentially joining in the summer, he may be tempted to depart England in search of further opportunities to enhance his development.

Juventus have a long-term interest in Charlie Patino

A report from Italian outlet Calciomercato has now revealed that Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli was driving The Old Lady’s interest in Patino.

Juventus could not secure a deal for him in the last two windows, but their director has identified Patino as a top talent, and he has been of interest to them “for a long time.”

Arsenal have been linked with several Juventus players including Dusan Vlahovic, and swap deals involving Patino have been mooted.

Arsenal need to be decisive over Charlie Patino

Unfortunately, there is little room for error over Patino this summer, and given his contract situation, Arsenal find themselves in a situation where they may have to sell him if they cannot guarantee him game time.

Patino needs to continue at a senior level of football rather than returning to the academy, and if that cannot be found at Arsenal, he may push for a permanent move away.

Arsenal have signed Kai Havertz and Declan Rice this season, and fellow academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe is also struggling for minutes, meaning Patino would almost certainly be starved of game time.

This means that unless he is willing to sign a long-term contract, offers should be considered for him. Although Juventus may not be able to make financial offers as high as some Premier League clubs, Arsenal may regret a sale abroad less than one to a potential rival if it comes down to it at the end of the season.