‘Serious player’: Rio Ferdinand reacts to rumour coming out of Arsenal

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Rio Ferdinand has said that he understands the decision taken by Charlie Patino to reportedly leave Arsenal in the summer.

It was reported on Monday that the 19-year-old, who has been on loan at Blackpool this season has chosen to bid farewell to his boyhood club.

While opinion has been split over whether Charlie Patino should have been kept or is right to potentially be sold by Arsenal, Rio Ferdinand has given his view.

Rio Ferdinand reacts to potential Charlie Patino exit from Arsenal

The teenager has been hailed as one of, if not the most talented youngster the Hale End academy has produced in years.

It seemed like Patino was destined to be become the Gunners’ midfield maestro for years to come before biding his time during loan stints.

But as Charlie Patino seems set to leave Arsenal ahead of next season, Rio Ferdinand has offered his viewpoint on the situation.

“I think he’s a serious player”, he said on the FIVE YouTube channel.

“I think with the ball, there’s been no doubts whether he’s technically ridiculous.”

“Obviously, Arsenal wanted to trigger a clause that they could keep him and [he] signs another extension till 2025. I think it’s testament to the kid. I think young kids, it’s a big point in their career. Sometimes, when a club offers you a deal, it’s not always the best-case scenario to stay and wait and wait, and wait.”

“I think, sometimes when you go out on loan, you get that taste of playing men’s football and in front of fans, stadiums and to think you’re going to back and play [Under] 23s football, sometimes, it’s like, ‘I can’t go back to that.’

HITC View: Arsenal should insert a buy-back clause

While Rio Ferdinand makes a fair point about Charlie Patino potentially being in search of regular first-team football, from an Arsenal standpoint, it would be smart to insert a buy-back clause when sanctioning his sale.

As the Manchester United legend said, the silky midfielder’s talent is simply unquestionable.

Much like Manchester City have done so with the likes of Romeo Lavia and Gavin Bazunu, a buy-back clause would give the club to bring back a player who could lead their midfield for the next decade if he fulfils his potential.