Report: 18-year-old Arsenal prospect is already attracting interest from elsewhere, contract expires next year

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Talented Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino is attracting interest from a number of clubs.

That’s according to The Athletic, who believe the 18-year-old is happy at Arsenal but is ‘generating interest on these shores and beyond’.

Patino is currently on loan at Championship side Blackpool this season.

After missing four matches with an ankle injury shortly after joining the Seasiders, he’s really hit his stride.

Patino has started Blackpool’s last four games, and despite their mixed results, he’s stood out.

Manager Michael Appleton said Patino is ‘as good as anyone I’ve seen dealing with the ball’.

The 18-year-old can play as a traditional central midfielder or in a slightly deeper role if necessary.

In Arsenal’s current set-up, his best position most closely resembles the role Granit Xhaka plays in the side.

With Patino’s contract running out next year, it’s no surprise the youngster is starting to attract interest from elsewhere.

Patino attracting plenty of interest

Arsenal fans will be aware of Patino’s potential after his cameos last season.

He made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup last season, scoring just minutes after coming off the bench.

Patino made his first start in the FA Cup the following month.

However, the Gunners were turned over by an in-form Nottingham Forest.

The report from The Athletic suggests that Arsenal have a two-year option to extend Patino’s contract.

However, there’s a set date that it needs to be triggered and so time could be running out.

Arsenal might want to offer Patino a new contract to extend his stay even further.

The 18-year-old would fit into Arsenal’s youthful side, and will be encouraged by the opportunities offered to his fellow academy graduates.

It will be interesting to see if Patino can do enough at Blackpool this season to be integrated into the first-team squad next year.