Arsenal May Lose Outstanding English Midfielder If Barcelona's Pursuit Prospers

Charlie Patino of Arsenal — Arsenal FC needs to secure the services of Charlie Patino who has been attracting interest from teams such as FC Barcelona. Getty Images | Alex Burstow

KEY POINTS

Barcelona is looking to tap the services of Charlie Patino
Patino is currently on loan in Blackpool and has been turning heads
Arsenal may want to hand Patino a long-term deal to douse interest from other clubs

One player that has hardly gotten a chance to showcase his wares with Arsenal is Charlie Patino.

The 19-year-old is currently on loan to Blackpool, and it appears there is at least one team interested in the services of the English midfielder.

According to Calciomercato, Patino is a target of Barcelona.

But with the teenage football player performing well, such has captured the interest of the Spanish giants.

Looking at his experience, the midfielder has represented the Three Lions in various age groups in the past years.

He is also eligible to suit up for Spain since he holds a Spanish passport thanks to his father.

Hence, it makes sense why Barca is exploring plans to lure him to Camp Nou for obvious future allegiances.

Add to the fact that Patino's contract expires at the end of the season. However, the Gunners hold an option to extend it by another two years.

Hence, Arsenal cannot afford to let its guard down as Barcelona may be waiting for the right moment to strike, something that can potentially lure him out of North London.

Patino is described as one of the most precious diamonds in the landscape of England's youth.

With that said, Arsenal will need to be cautious to prevent a potential Patino exit.

So far, the prolific midfielder has played only twice under club manager Mikel Arteta.

This is despite Patino being branded as one of the finest talents over at Arsenal at the moment.

He is excellent on the ball, can play anywhere across the central midfield, and has the potential to become an incredible midfielder in the English Premier League in a few years.

The English skipper started the season on loan to Blackpool and has not disappointed.

Patino has become a crowd favorite, a reason why fans have also given him his song.

Hence, it makes sense for Arsenal to extend his contract once it runs out.

But if the Gunners intend to keep Patino for a longer spell, offering him a longer deal could be a plausible recourse as the report from The Boot Room suggested.