Charlie Patino, once regarded as the future of Arsenal’s midfield, is reportedly preparing for his departure after nine years with the club.
Patino, at 18, became an instant sensation in 2021 after scoring on his League Cup debut in a 5-1 victory over Sunderland.
Many predicted him to be a top-tier prospect for Mikel Arteta in the coming seasons, with Arsenal’s head of scouting Shaun O’Connor once calling him the ‘greatest player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End’.
Despite his strong exploits in the younger divisions, Patino would only make one more senior appearance for the club, in an FA Cup loss in January 2022.
He has spent the last two seasons on loan at Championship sides Blackpool and Swansea, struggling for regular minutes at the latter despite manager Luke Williams calling the midfielder ‘excellent’ and ‘exceptional’.
While still well-regarded, it has long been clear that he is not part of Arteta’s plans and with the England youth star now in the last year of his contract, Arsenal have decided to move him on.
Multiple sources including Fabrizio Romano report that Patino will join La Liga side Deportivo La Coruna in a transfer worth around £1million with a ‘significant’ sell-on clause included in his contract.
Having failed to make the grade in England, a switch to Spain may well benefit Patino who is noted for his strong technical ability, while the player himself named Arsenal and Spain icons Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas as his main influences.
Moreover, England midfielder Jude Bellingham has cemented his status as one of the world’s best players since moving to Real Madrid, while Conor Gallagher has been tipped to thrive after leaving Chelsea for Atletico Madrid.
Speaking after his goalscoring debut, Arteta said of Patino: ‘A beautiful moment. He is a kid that is coming through our system, a lovely kid.’
‘He is training with us almost every week. It was a dream.
‘As a debut to come here, to score in front of our fans, a really special moment.’