Arsenal wonderkid Charlie Patino set to leave permanently

Arsenal’s highly-touted prospect Charlie Patino will leave the club permanently this summer in search of regular first-team football, according to The Athletic.

Mikel Arteta does not see Patino in his team for next season. The Gunners plan on adding significant upgrades as they prepare for Champions League football.

The 19-year-old midfielder was a standout player in Arsenal’s youth teams. He joined Arsenal from Luton Town aged 11.

Patino signed his first professional contract in 2020 and has made two senior appearances for the Gunners.

However, Patino has decided to leave Arsenal with no regular first-team football on the horizon.

He will walk away for free at the end of the season despite Arsenal trying to extend his deal to 2025.

Patino is currently on loan at Blackpool, where he is impressing in his debut campaign in senior men’s football.

The Watford-born youngster has made 33 Championship appearances for the relegation-bound side. He has scored two goals and assisted four, excelling in a dire campaign for the Seasiders.

Arsenal saw Patino as one of the brightest prospects in their academy. Many people expected him to step up to the first team soon.

The club strongly emphasises developing young talent and integrating them into the squad.

Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe came through the club’s Hale End Academy to become first-team stars. Patino was tipped to go down that path, but it has not happened.

There have been links with a move away from Arsenal for some time, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The news of Patino’s departure will be disappointing for Arsenal fans, who had hoped to see the midfielder become a key player for the club in the coming years.