Barcelona ‘continue to keep an eye’ on Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino as they eye up a potential move for him in future.
That’s according to Calciomercato.it, who cover the player today and how the Catalan side will jump at any opportunity should the Gunners get ‘distracted’.
They explain how Patino is ‘one of the most precious diamonds’ in England’s youth scene, a title given to him by Arsenal scout Brian Stapleton that is starting to come true.
He was the one who first spotted Patino, whose talent ‘did not escape’ them, leading to him to insist that the player is one ‘to be taken immediately’.
He’s been developing as something of a playmaker, in the ilk of his idols such as Santi Cazorla and Andres Iniesta, with his ‘vision’ and ‘his ability to open up opposing defences’ two particular highlights.
He signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in October 2020 and while he has been robbed of his chance of a Premier League debut by injuries, hopes are still high for him.
He’s currently on loan with Blackpool but Mikel Arteta has been keeping an eye on him, convinced the regular playing time in the Championship will only aid his development.
They’re not the only ones doing so, with Barcelona also long-term fans and continuing to watch his development in the hope that Arsenal may ‘get distracted for a moment’ and given them a chance to sign him.
That seems unlikely given the esteem they hold him in, but the intent is certainly there and something to potentially keep an eye on.
