Charlie Patino was originally expected to finish the season at the Emirates, but his loan transfer to Bloomfield Road is already paying off magnificently. Charlie Patino would have been looking at Thursday night’s Europa League match at PSV as a chance to get a few minutes if he had stayed with Arsenal this season. The young midfielder gained notoriety last year after scoring on his senior Gunners debut against Sunderland in a Carabao Cup victory at Emirates Stadium in December.
Even though it appeared like the moment a new star was born, Patino would only make one more senior appearance in the months that followed, starting the FA Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest in January. Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League this year are uncertain. The Gunners have signed both the winning-proven Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus, with the latter beginning his Premier League career at Arsenal.
Patino encountered some injury issues during the rest of the season, which was disappointing for him. Toward the conclusion of the season, he did appear on the first-team bench a few times, but his only game action came with the Under-23s. Therefore, the 2022–23 campaign was always going to be crucial for the Hale End academy alum’s future development.
He was originally supposed to remain at Arsenal and play for the younger teams while also trying to earn some playing time with the senior club, especially during the Europa League group stage. But things suddenly changed as the transfer window drew to a close. Arsenal granted Patino’s request to go on loan, sending the midfielder to Blackpool of the Championship. After three months, everyone is benefiting from the gamble. It would be an understatement to suggest that Patino has had an influence at Blackpool.
The 19-year-old has become Bloomfield Road’s new favorite player in just 12 games, and his new chant is taking up on social media in general, not just among Blackpool supporters. Prior to the Lancashire derby against Preston last weekend, Patino had already established himself as a fan favorite among the Blackpool supporters. No matter what he accomplishes for the balance of his time with the Championship club, the on-loan Arsenal starlet will always be regarded as a Seasiders hero thanks to a goal, an assist, and a man of the match award in a 4-2 victory.
Of course, Patino’s talent has never been in question. He has consistently been highly regarded; the scout who took him to Arsenal from Luton called him “the best child I’ve ever seen.” But whether he has the physicality to handle the demands of senior football has possibly come under scrutiny recently.
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