As per a report by Calciomercato.it, Barcelona are keeping tabs on prodigious youngster Charlie Patino.
The Catalan giants may swoop in for the crown jewel of Arsenal’s academy
It has been stated that Xavi’s side will pounce at any chance to sign the Hale End graduate, if they feel Arsenal are ‘distracted’ in their mission to develop one of the most gifted youth products in years.
Further details suggest that the Spanish side’s interest in the Englishman is not a recent development.
In fact, Barcelona have been labeled as “long-term fans” of the magisterial midfielder, once described by club scout Brian Stapleton as “the best boy” that has ever played at Hale End, in an interview with GOAL last year.
Interestingly enough, the gifted starlet, whose father is Spanish’s contract expires in the summer of 2023.
Unlikely that the Gunners sell one of their future superstars
During the 2022/2023 season, Mikel Arteta’s side sent the 19-year old out on loan to Blackpool in the Championship.
It’s clear to see that the club’s aim is to ensure that the teenager gets to grips with senior football.
So far, Charlie Patino has been given a taste of first-team football at his boyhood club as well, famously scoring in a 5-1 thrashing of Sunderland in the Carabao Cup in December last year.
In fact, Arteta mentioned in the summer how he wishes to slowly but surely integrate the Watford-born midfielder into the senior side, as reported by Football.London.
Taking all these factors into consideration, Arsenal will likely tie Charlie Patino down to a new deal and fend off any interest from Barcelona.
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