With the January transfer window taking place, Arsenal remain top of the league and 5 points ahead of their title rivals Manchester City. In case of injury, Arsenal have no back up midfielders equivalent to the levels of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka bar Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Hopes were high for Sambi Lokonga to be the replacement for Granit Xhaka however the expectations haven’t followed suit. Following his £17m move from Anderlecht in 2021, the midfielder has struggled to break into the side due to his poor performances.
However, Arsenal could turn to their prestigious Hale End academy producing the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah. As a result, Arteta could turn to Charlie Patino as the successor for the pivotal number 8 role played by the Swiss International.
Currently on loan to Blackpool in the second tier of English football, the midfielder has excelled with his stellar performances to suggest this. The 19 year old has managed two goals and two assists in 23 games this season for Blackpool and was a pivotal part of the team that beat Nottingham Forest 4-1 in the third round of the FA Cup.
Already sung with praises for possessing a similar play style to Jack Wilshere, could Patino be the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s developing side?
