'Training with us almost every week': Arteta hails Arsenal 18-year-old

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised Gunners talent Charlie Patino, saying he’s a “lovely kid” who’s training with the seniors “almost every week”.

The 18-year-old is one of the brightest talents that have come through the Hale End academy in recent years.

As a 14-year-old, Patino captained England’s Under-16s against Spain and made his debut for Arsenal’s Under-18s against Chelsea.

Last season, the playmaker earned promotion to the Under-23s – a great achievement considering his age – and made four appearances.

This term, Patino has made 15 appearances in the Premier League 2, EFL Trophy and FA Youth Cup.

Patino is so highly rated that plenty of Arsenal fans have been calling for him to get game time in the cups this term.

And during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Sunderland, Arteta finally gave the youngster his debut off the bench.

Patino quickly made an impact after coming on in the 80th minute, netting Arsenal’s fifth in injury time.

The teenager connected with Nicolas Pepe’s low ball across the box and turned it home from eight yards out.

“A beautiful moment,” Arteta told BBC Sport.

“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.”

Could Arteta give Patino further minutes in the Premier League over the next few days? Or perhaps in the FA Cup third round?

‘Training with us almost every week’: Arteta hails Arsenal 18-year-old