Arsenal talent Charlie Patino is reportedly on the radar for Spain, who are eager to lure the 17-year-old midfielder from England’s youth system.
According to Spanish publication Cadena Ser, La Roja have been working behind the scenes for some time to tempt Patino to away from England. The teenage playmaker can represent the 2010 FIFA World Cup winners through his father, who was born in the Galicia region of Spain.
Patino has represented England since the age of 14, with the midfielder playing for three different levels of the Three Lions. The youngster is in line to make his Arsenal debut later this week against AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup.
The former Luton Town academy magician is one of the highest-rated players coming through at Arsenal this season. Patino has already impressed supporters this season at U-23 level, where the midfielder has worn the armband.
And the midfielder is highly likely to feature for the senior team this week against Wimbledon. Arsenal will be without Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka. Moreover, Mikel Arteta could make the decision to rest Thomas Partey with Tottenham coming up on Sunday.
Indeed, it is a testament to Patino’s talents that Spain are now chasing the midfielder.
The two-time European champions are ranked eighth in the FIFA world rankings. And the lure of playing for Spain could be tempting for Patino.
Should Patino feature tomorrow and impress, though, it could lead to an interesting few weeks over where his international loyalties will lie.
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