Blow for Arsenal as midfielder dubbed “the next Jack Wilshere” set to leave club

PREMIER LEAGUE Blow for Arsenal as midfielder dubbed “the next Jack Wilshere” set to leave club

Mark Kinyanjui 16:32 - 01.05.2023

Arsenal are unwilling to offer him guaranteed first-team football.

Arsenal prodigy Charlie Patino is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis this summer, with the club receptive to his desire to seek regular first-team football.

The 19-year-old midfielder has spent the season on loan at Blackpool, excelling despite the Championship side’s difficult campaign that has ended in relegation.

Arsenal activated an option to extend Patino’s contract until 2025, but he is unlikely to feature in Mikel Arteta’s plans next season - especially given the intention to upgrade their midfield before returning to the Champions League.

Like fellow youngster Folarin Balogun, Patino has no wish to make another temporary move and is prepared to pursue his career elsewhere.

Amicable talks have taken place with Arsenal, who are ready to help facilitate a switch amid growing interest from the UK and abroad.

Patino has represented England at youth level but also holds a Spanish passport through his father, which creates more possibilities for the creative player at club and international level.

He joined Arsenal from Luton Town at the age of 11 and, since signing professional terms in 2020, has made two senior appearances.

Patino is already drawing comparisons to established stars. He has been likened in style to Manchester City’s Phil Foden, as well as Jack Wilshere, arguably the last homegrown Arsenal player to generate as much hype at such a young age.

Wilshere also started out with Luton before making the switch to North London to continue his development and has recently been training with his former club as he eyes a return to the game after leaving Bournemouth in the summer.