ARSENAL starlet Charlie Patino has completed his season-long loan switch to Championship side Blackpool.
The 18-year-old, who has been likened to Phil Foden, has signed for the Seasiders in his quest to play regular first-team football.
But the deal does not include a buy-option – with the Gunners believing the midfielder has a huge future in North London.
Patino featured twice under Mikel Arteta last term with the teenager scoring on his debut against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup just before Christmas.
He then started in the 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup, but he struggled against Steve Cooper’s side.
And he has now decided to link up with Blackpool, where he could feature against Stoke on Saturday.
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Speaking to Blackpool’s website: “This is a great opportunity for me, and I think I’m ready to take this on. It’s the next step of my career and I’m really excited to get going.
“I spoke to Danny Ballard and Dujon Sterling before coming to the Club and they were full of praise and said it’s an amazing place to be where everybody is welcome.
“They also mentioned the fans, the Tangerine Army, who are always on their feet at home and away games.
“I’m just buzzing to play in front of them and show them what I’m about.”
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Boss Michael Appleton added: “Charlie is a very talented boy and I’m delighted that Arsenal have trusted us to look after him and further his development.
“The club has a good relationship with Arsenal from previous loan deals, as I have personally from taking players to my former clubs, with Brooke Norton-Cuffy being the most recent last season.
“Charlie is one of the best midfielders in his age group and I can’t wait to start working with him.”
Patino has followed academy team-mate Folarin Balogin out the Arsenal door, with the exciting striker linking up with French side Reims on loan.
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Meanwhile. playmaker Marcelo Flores has opted to join Spanish club Real Oviedo on a temporary deal.
And goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has already made the move to League One outfit Crewe on loan, where he played in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Rochdale.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
