Arsenal transfer news: Charlie Patino looks set to become the latest Gunners star to seal a loan switch with Swansea reaching a verbal agreement
The teenager was left out of the squad that travelled to the USA for a pre-season tour with the aim of seeking for a move away, however nothing materialised. Work has continued in the last few weeks to find a solution and now Patino is on the verge of leaving Arsenal, but not in the way he would have thought at the start of the window.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Patino is closing in on a season-long loan move, with no buy option, to Swansea City with a verbal agreement at its final stages. Arsenal fans reacted angrily to the news of Patino's exit stance after he learned minimal senior chances would be coming his way, however Edu looks to have pulled off another masterstroke.
Patino's contract at Emirates Stadium expires in 2025 which gives the talented midfielder a full season in the Championship to impress and prove to Arteta he can play a role in his Arsenal plans. However, if the stance remains the same a permanent departure next summer would become very likely as Patino would have just 12 months left on his deal.
When selling young players, several top Premier League clubs often include buyback or sell-on clauses to give them an opportunity to re-sign or generate some funds from that player if the transfer backfires and Arsenal would likely do the same if Patino departs.
Declan Rice and Kai Havertz have both been signed this summer with Arteta's view to play both in midfield which complicates Patino's pathway. Alongside this, according to the Independent, Arsenal want to bring in a new No.6, as the Spaniard seeks to add more variety to his midfield.
That transfer plan rests on a marquee exit arriving with a departure for Folarin Balogun the most likely outcome which could mean the forward's future will also decide whether Patino stays or goes next summer. However, in the meantime, Patino has the chance to impress and either drive up his stock or convince Arteta he is worth keeping in north London.