Charlie Patino has made an impression on the first-team squad in training and could make his debut later this month
Charlie Patino, an Arsenal youngster, has been impressing the first-team squad with his training exploits and might make his senior debut this month.
The 17-year-old has already established himself as a future star after a string of impressive performances for the Under-21s, most notably scoring against Dean Henderson with a stunning dinked finish during Arsenal’s last match against Manchester United’s development side.
Reiss Nelson, who foresaw Bukayo Saka’s arrival three years ago, piqued Arsenal fans’ interest when he summed up his thoughts on Patino in just three words: ‘Keep the name in mind.’
Manager Mikel Arteta has been incorporating the teenager in first-team training more and more, according to Chris Wheatley of Football.London, and he is holding his own among the experienced players.
He has really impressed’ the first-team squad, with a lot of players showing an interest in him and offering advice, with summer recruit Ben White taking him under his wing in particular.
Patino has also been welcomed into the first-team fold by striker Alexandre Lacazette, who has been spotted mentoring and advising the club’s young players in his role as one of the major leaders in the dressing room.
Patino’s development has been so swift that he might make his Arsenal debut as early as next month, with the midfielder expected to be named in the team for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup encounter against AFC Wimbledon on September 22.
