‘Very surprised’… Journalist admits ‘outstanding’ gem is likely to be sold by Arsenal

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Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino looked like one of the best talents to come out of the Hale End Academy in a long time. However, it has not gone as expected for him.

Patino is currently on loan at Championship side Swansea City, having performed a U-turn and agreed to another temporary switch after previously indicating that he wanted to leave permanently last summer.

He has scored four and provided four assists in 25 appearances from midfield this season, and is progressing well. However, with his contract expiring in 2025, it seems that his future at Arsenal is now far from certain.

Charles Watts expects Charlie Patino to leave Arsenal

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Charles Watts claimed that he expects Patino to depart in the summer, rather than returning to develop alongside senior midfielders such as Jorginho.

“Would Jorginho be the perfect player for Patino to learn from? I have to admit I think Patino is going to go in the summer,” he stated.

“I’ll be very surprised if Patino is still at Arsenal for the final year of his contract next summer, but we shall wait and see.”

Arsenal have decision to make over Charlie Patino

Arsenal have to make a decision, one way or the other, over Patino this summer. The 20-year-old would have no shortage of transfer interest were he to become available this summer, and with his contract running out, this could be the last chance to gain a fee for him.

However, if he is willing to sign another contract and go on loan again, then this would be the best way to maximise his value. He has thrived on his loans at Blackpool and Swansea, with his former manager Michael Appleton describing him as “outstanding.”

If he is unwilling to do so, then unfortunately, a sale looks to be the best option. Arsenal’s midfield is currently too competitive unless there are surprise departures, and it appears that Mikel Arteta will look to strengthen his options with Martin Zubimendi targeted.

At his age, Patino needs to play regularly rather than playing a squad role, and that will not happen at Arsenal next season. If an offer comes in, it would benefit Arsenal in terms of financial fair play, and would allow the midfielder to play elsewhere.

Given the talent he showed at a young age, it is a shame that there appears to be no clear route into the Arsenal team now, but the reality is that not every bright talent from the Academy will break through with the same level of success as Bukayo Saka.