Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been linked with a move for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and that is bad news for Charlie Patino.
The Sun have reported that Arsenal want to bring Oxlade-Chamberlain on loan from Liverpool in the January transfer window.
The former Arsenal midfielder himself is willing to leave Liverpool for regular playing time, according to The Mirror.
Now, this might look good on paper.
Yes, Oxlade-Chamberlain has had injury problems and is not playing much at Liverpool.
But, we cannot deny that the 28-year-old is a very good and experienced player.
Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are likely to miss a number of games in the New Year due to the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
So, we can understand why Arteta wants to bring in Oxlade-Chamberlain.
However, the potential arrival of Oxlade-Chamberlain to the Emirates Stadium is bad news for Patino.
Patino is an 18-year-old central midfielder who is widely considered as the second coming of Jack Wilshere.
Even Wilshere himself has expressed his admiration for the teenager, outlining the similarities.
Now, of course, Patino is only 18.
So, we do no expect him to make himself a regular in the Arsenal first team anytime soon.
However, if Oxlade-Chamberlain comes in on loan in January, does well and then gets a permanent move, then it would affect Patino’s progression into the first team.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
