Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has backed Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino's decision to leave the club in the summer transfer window. The Hale End academy graduate made his debut for the Gunners in a League Cup clash with Sunderland, where he came from the bench to score.
Patino was then sent on loan to Blackpool in the Championship for the season, making 36 appearances across all competitions with three goals and four assists. That wasn't enough for the 19-year-old to help the Seasiders avoid relegation though as they've been confirmed for League One next season.
With more first-team experience under his belt now, David Ornstein reports that Patino is looking for guaranteed football next campaign. With a lack of guarantees with the Gunners, the midfielder is looking to move on and leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
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With that revelation, Ferdinand has backed Patino's brave decision to leave the club and has backed another youngster to follow in his steps. He told his youtube channel Five: "I think he’s [Patino] a serious player. He’s been on loan at Blackpool this season, played 25-30 games and shown another side to his game; in terms of the tactical side, being more combative, making more challenges.
"He has been showing another side of his game. With the ball, there’s been no doubts whether he’s technically ridiculous. [Arsenal’s other loan deals] have worked out, with who are the right ones to keep.
"Obviously, Arsenal wanted to trigger a clause that they could keep him and sign another extension until 2025. I think it’s testament to the kid. For young kids, it’s a big point in their career. Sometimes, when a club offers you a deal, it’s not always the best-case scenario to stay and wait and wait and wait.
"‘I think, sometimes especially when you go out on loan, you get that taste of playing men’s football in front of fans and in stadiums, and to think you’re going to back and play [Under-]23s football, sometimes, it’s like, ‘I can’t go back to that’. You’ve got to be brave."
He then suggested that youngster Folarin Balogun could make a switch after his impressive loan spell with Reims. He continued: "Balogun has a big decision to make too, does he go back and potentially sit on the bench and wait for his chance at Arsenal or does he go, 'I want to play now, I’ve proved my worth'.
"Both of these boys have got big decisions, I think Charlie Patino has made up his mind and wanted to go elsewhere. It is important for Arsenal with what they do. I think they will go for a bit more experience in that midfield area."
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