Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that Charlie Patino may still have a future at the Premier League giants with the midfielder impressing on loan at Swansea City in the Championship.
If the England U21 international arrived in South Wales hoping to catching the eye of the Arsenal boss and lay the foundations for a first-team role at his parent club, then he’s certainly heading in the right direction.
Charlie Patino has been a revelation at Michael Duff’s improving Swansea City side.
He is averaging a goal or an assist almost every other game in the Championship, setting up Liam Cullen’s winner in the 1-0 victory away at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
And, speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup clash with West Ham in midweek, Arteta is at pains to point out that there is still a ‘pathway’ to the first-team for Patino and co.
Charlie Patino highly rated at Arsenal
“There’s always a pathway,” Arteta tells Football London. “And, when we make decisions on those kind of players, it’s always to keep an eye on them and see, can we evolve the squad in that way?
“And the first thing that what we do is look internally.”
With the likes of Thomas Partey, Jorginho and Mo Elneny facing uncertain futures beyond the current campaign, Patino could be an ‘internal’ solution, promoted to Arteta’s senior roster after proving himself capable of handling the hustle and bustle of professional football out on loan.
Jorginho’s replacement?
“He’s a really good kid,” Duff told The Athletic a month ago. “He’s really ambitious, but there is a reality and work ethic with it. It’s easy to say ‘I want to be this’, but he’s prepared to work every day.
“He goes through his clips, he wants to do extra (training) and is a joy to work with.
“His ambition is to play for Arsenal, but he needs to play well for us. We’ll hopefully help him along the way.”
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