Charlie Patino is one of the most exciting young talents currently in Arsenal’s academy.
The 17-year-old joined the Gunners from Luton Town in 2015. Over the years, he’s graduated through the youth teams and is now representing the north London club in the Premier League 2.
Although he has represented England at U15, U16 and U17s, the midfielder is eligible to play for Spain.
Cadena Ser’s Carrusel Confidencial claims the Arsenal youngster’s case is ‘marked in red’ in La Roja’s offices. He has dual nationality because his father is Spanish.
It’s claimed the ‘seduction work began months ago’ to attract the teenager to switch nationalities from England to Spain. Earlier in the summer, Patino revealed his admiration of Spanish football.
“I’ve always had an appreciation for that Spanish style of play. Growing up I adored Santi Cazorla as a player, and Cesc Fabregas and Mikel Arteta were some of my favourites too,” he told Arsenal’s official website.
“But there’s something about Santi for me and the qualities that he had – he was something else.”
As per Carrusel Confidencial, the work is not just done at the federation level, but also at club level. For the latter, there’s ‘maximum interest’ in the player.
It’s claimed Barcelona scouts have been watching Patino while in action for Arsenal in the Premier League 2.
