Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been sent a key reminder of Charlie Patino's talent after the youngster impressed for Blackpool against Preston this afternoon (Saturday).
The 19-year-old midfielder joined Blackpool on a season-long loan deal in the summer transfer window as he looks to continue his development with regular first team football in the Championship. Patino scored on his first-team debut for the Gunners in December last year against Sunderland in the EFL Cup, bursting onto the scene with Arteta keen to take pressure of his young shoulders.
Following his goal against the Black Cats last year, the Gunners boss said: ""[The fans] heard about him and know what he can become, and now we have to 'cook' him slowly; [Too much hype around him] is what we have to avoid. He still has a lot of competition in front of him."
READ MORE: Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino suffers injury setback after promising start to Blackpool loan
The talented youngster suffered an injury setback at the start of the season but has now returned to the first team and wasted no time in showing his ability. Patino scored and provided an assist, picking up the man of the match award, in the 4-2 Derby Day win against Preston on Saturday afternoon as he continues to win over the Blackpool fans.
Midfield is one area that Arteta is thought to be keen on strengthening in the upcoming transfer windows, but Patino's performances may see the Spaniard consider recalling him from his loan spell to have an impact for the Gunners in the second half of the season. Injuries to Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey threatened to hamper Arsenal's impressive start to the season, with Albert Sambi Lokonga stepping in as cover.
Douglas Luiz is now set to stay at Aston Villa after signing a new long-term deal, ruling him out of a potential transfer to the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window. Youri Tielemans remains a long-term target for the Gunners, football.london understands, but a move for the Belgium midfielder is unlikely to happen until next summer.
Patino will be hoping to keep up his brilliant form and continue to impress in the hope of securing a spot in Arteta's team next season.
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