14 October 2023 , 13:59
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Arsenal academy ace Charlie Patino has insisted he wants to fight for a place in the heart of the Gunners midfield despite speculation touting him with an Emirates exit.
Previously billed by many as the 'next Jack Wilshere ', Patino has only made two first-team appearances for Mikel Arteta's side, but has already amassed quite the reputation among the Arsenal fanbase after some stellar performances for the club at youth level. The 19-year-old bagged a debut goal at senior level in late 2021, but was only seen once more before falling out of the first-team fold entirely.
Last season saw Patino spend the campaign with Blackpool and despite impressing at times, he failed to ensure the Tangerines avoided relegation to League One. After a brief return to north London, Patino was sent out on loan once again - this time to ply his trade for Championship outfit Swansea City.
But he hasn't viewed this second spell away from the club as a snub from the boss and has used the journey of William Saliba as inspiration as Patino hopes to establish himself as a regular at Arsenal in the years to come. Saliba had to prove himself over the course of three different loan spells before he could make even one first-team appearance for the Gunners.
Speaking to the Mail about his own aspirations, Patino claimed: "It’s inspiring to see someone from Arsenal being able to go on loan, make a name for himself and come back and show his qualities at Arsenal because it is a massive club.
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"Everyone’s journey is different. Bukayo Saka went straight from academy to first team, Eddie Nketiah went on a few loans, Emile Smith Rowe went on a few loans, so everyone’s journey is different.
"But ultimately, it’s about getting to where you want to get to, and that’s the same for me. I want to play in the first team at Arsenal and being here is a massive pathway to help me do that."
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Charlie Patino has admitted he wants to return to Arsenal at the end of his loan spell with SwanseaDespite his two loan spells elsewhere, Patino is rated highly by those at the helm at Arsenal. After his memorable debut nearly two years ago, Arteta waxed lyrical as he claimed: "He is a kid that is coming through our system, a lovely kid. He is training with us almost every week. It was a dream.
"As a debut to come here, to score in front of our fans, a really special moment. I think that is very positive. They heard about him and know what he can become and now we have to cook him slowly."
Patino has enjoyed a bright start to life in south Wales, boasting a return of one goal and three assists from his first nine games for Swansea. His most recent comments will also ease fears of an imminent Arsenal exit, which was widely reported in the summer.