Earlier today, Arsenal announced their 33-man squad for the trip to the United States, as pre-season preparations continue under Mikel Arteta.
Now, pre-season is usually the time for young prospects to make an impression in the first-team, as they and the senior players aim to improve their fitness ahead of the new campaign.
In that respect, Arteta has done something truly bizarre.
What’s the story?
Well, to our surprise, there was no room in the 33-man squad for Charlie Patino.
The 18-year-old has already made his first-team debut for Arsenal, and many supporters expected to see him shine for the Gunners during pre-season.
However, the teenager has strangely been left behind in London.
It comes despite some sources claiming that Arteta plans to use Patino in the Europa League next season.
If that is the case, we have no idea why the England Under-19 international has been left out, especially as there are five goalkeepers in the squad – surely Patino could’ve been included over one of the glovesmen?
Ultimately, there has to be an injury involved, or else we simply cannot understand what Arteta is thinking.
Even Lucas Torreira has been named in the squad, a player who doesn’t even want to stay at the Emirates Stadium, and is being offered to clubs around Europe.
Arsenal must make it up to Charlie Patino
In our view, if there is no injury involved, Arteta must make it up to Patino.
Some at London Colney believe the Watford-born maestro is the most exciting youngster to ever emerge from Hale End, while Rio Ferdinand also described him as a “proper” talent.
Therefore, the Gunners must keep him happy, or we’re sure he won’t be short of offers.
With Europa League football on the schedule for next season, as well as the domestic cup competitions of course, Arteta has to give Patino a fair amount of game time – even more so now after leaving him out.
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