Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino believes he is ready for the challenge of playing regular senior football after completing a loan move to Blackpool.
The teenage midfielder has long since been heralded as among the most talented graduates of Arsenal's Hale End academy, making two first-team appearances under Mikel Arteta in the cup competitions last term and scoring on his debut against Sunderland.
Patino is believed to have impressed Arteta during a successful pre-season campaign for the Gunners and now gets the chance to really showcase his talents on a weekly basis in the Championship, having sealed a switch to Bloomfield Road for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.
And the confident 18-year-old is relishing the opportunity that awaits under Michael Appleton, who began his second tenure in charge at Blackpool with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Reading on the opening weekend.
“It’s a really great opportunity for me and I think I’m ready to take this on in the next step of my career,” Patino told Blackpool’s official website.
Blackpool complete signing of Charlie Patino on loan from @Arsenal https://t.co/6u3dL0x3tf pic.twitter.com/KhTVWQchX8
— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) August 3, 2022
“Speaking to the manager, it was a really great feeling that he gave to me and I’m just 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.”
Blackpool boss Appleton was delighted to have pulled off such a high-profile loan swoop, with the former Lincoln manager utilising his positive relationship with Arsenal in order to get a deal over the line.
“Charlie is a very talented boy and I’m delighted that Arsenal have trusted us to look after him and further his development,” he said.
“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 is the second player to leave Arsenal on loan on Wednesday, with striker Folarin Balogun joining French club Reims.
