Charlie Patino is one the best player to come from the Arsenal Academy in recent times. The young midfielder was loaned to Blackpool in the championship, where he made 33 appearances for the Championship side.
Arsenal are expected to have busy summer following their Champions League qualification next season. The arrival of new signings to the Emirates means Charlie Patino will not be in Mikel Artate’s plan next season. The 19-year-old is pushing to leave Arsenal on a permanent deal in the summer in search of more playing time.
The Gunners are also expected to face the same scenario with Folarin Balogun, who has had an excellent season during his loan spell at Reims in French Ligue One. The Arsenal Loanee has scored 18 goals in 32 appearances for Reims.
Rio Ferdinand has hailed Charlie Patino’s decision to leave Arsenal and warned Arsenal that Folarin Balogun may follow suit.
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What did Rio Ferdinand say about Charlie Patino’s decision to leave Arsenal next season?
He said on Vibe with Five: “I think he’s a serious player.
“He’s been on loan at Blackpool this season, played 25-30 games, and shown another side to his game; in terms of the tactical side, being more combative, making more challenges. He has been showing another side of his game.
“With the ball, there’s been no doubts whether he’s technically ridiculous.”
Rio Ferdinand added: “[Arsenal’s other loan deals] have worked out, with who are the right ones to keep.
“Obviously, Arsenal wanted to trigger a clause that they could keep him and sign another extension until 2025. I think it’s a testament to the kid.
“For young kids, it’s a significant point in their career. Sometimes, when a club offers you a deal, it’s not always the best-case scenario to stay and wait and wait and wait.
“I think, sometimes especially when you go out on loan, you get that taste of playing men’s football in front of fans and in stadiums, and to think you’re going to back and play [Under-]23s football, sometimes, it’s like, ‘I can’t go back to that’. You’ve got to be brave.”
On Folarin Balogun, Rio Ferdinand added: “Balogun has a big decision to make too, does he go back and potentially sit on the bench and wait for his chance at Arsenal or does he go, “I want to play now, I’ve proved my worth.”
“Both of these boys have got big decisions, I think Charlie Patino has made up his mind and wanted to go elsewhere. It is important for Arsenal with what they do. I think they will go for a bit more experience in that midfield area.”
