Arsenal are set to announce yet another loan signing within the next 48 hours as Mikel Arteta trims his squad for the 2022/23 campaign.
The latest player added to the Gunners’ ‘loan watch’ will be Charlie Patino, after an exclusive report from Jeorge Bird confirmed he would be loaned to Blackpool.
Bird specialises in Arsenal youth reports and announced the news late on Monday night, which has now been backed up by Fabrizio Romano who gave us added detail.
The frequently reliable journalist tweeted on Wednesday morning to state that the deal was completed and Patino will undergo a medical with it expected to be announced within the next hours.
It’s a move that will undoubtedly offer Patino more game time which is 100% the aim of Arteta and the team as he looks to build on his two first-team appearances at Arsenal.
Last season the 18-year-old broke onto the scene with an unbelievable debut that saw him grab a goal against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup.
The midfielder’s other appearance came against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, which then led to him becoming a part of first-team training for the rest of the season.
The decision does come as a slight surprise with Arsenal set to increase the number and frequency of games with the Europa League and World Cup to contend with.
However, Patino’s departure leaves Arsenal with a hole in their midfield for rotation and is the latest suggestion that a move for Youri Tielemans could be on the cards.
Lucas Torreira is expected to finalise a move to Galatasaray on Wednesday, whilst the future of Ainsley Maitland-Niles is uncertain, leaving Arsenal with Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Mo Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga as midfield choices.