Romano confirms Arsenal close to huge wonderkid transfer

Updated: 21 Aug 2024 17:04 BST
3 min read

Charlie Patino, once one of Arsenal's biggest talents, in is on the verge of heading to the Spanish second division, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The youngster burst onto the scene in late 2021 by scoring for Arsenal against Sunderland in the EFL Cup, subsequently being hyped by many, including Rio Ferdinand, who described the midfielder as one of the biggest talents in the Hale End academy.

Since then, however, things have not quite gone to plan for Patino. Now 20 years of age, he only has two senior Gunners appearances to his name, the second coming a month after his debut against the Black Cats.

He has not been seen on the pitch for Arsenal since January 2022. After loan stints at Blackpool and Swansea City, Patino now looks set to depart the Emirates for good in a bid to revive his still-young career.

Patino set for Spain

The Watford-born youngster is eligible to play for Spain through his father and it appears that the England youth international's future will indeed lie on the Iberian peninsula.

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are in talks with LaLiga 2 side Deportivo La Coruna over a move for the midfielder. This has since been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

Negotiations are advanced but not finalised just yet, with Deportivo having tabled a formal bid. The deal will also include a 'significant' sell-on percentage, according to Romano.

Patino is keen on the move and looks set to become the latest youngster to leave Arsenal for first-team football elsewhere after the likes of Ruell Walters, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Chido Obi-Martin did the same earlier this summer.

The exact financial details of his impending move to Spain have not been disclosed yet. Patino has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €5.2 million.