Arsenal confirm talented 20yos exit, signs 4-year deal | OneFootball

Arsenal have officially confirmed that promising midfielder Charlie Patino has completed a permanent transfer to Spanish Segunda Division side Deportivo La Coruña.

The 20-year-old, who joined Arsenal’s academy in 2015, departs after spending nearly a decade with the Gunners, during which he developed into one of the club’s most highly-rated young prospects.

SWANSEA, WALES – APRIL 10: Charlie Patino of Swansea City battles for possession with Lewis Baker of Stoke City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Swansea City and Stoke City at Liberty Stadium on April 10, 2024 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The club’s official statement read: “Charlie Patino has joined La Liga 2 side, Deportivo de La Coruna, in a permanent transfer.”

Arsenal added that Patino had progressed through the club’s youth ranks before signing his first professional contract in 2020 and making his first-team debut in December 2021.

His debut was particularly memorable, as he scored a late goal in Arsenal’s 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Sunderland.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 21: Charlie Patino of Arsenal (R) and Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal celebrate following their side’s victory in the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on December 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

During his time at Arsenal, Patino made several loan moves to gain first-team experience.

He spent the 2022-23 season at Blackpool, where he made 37 appearances, scoring three goals and assisting four times.

Last season, he featured for Swansea City in the Championship, making 35 appearances and contributing four goals and four assists.

Despite a bright start at Swansea, his involvement dwindled following a red card in November and a managerial change that saw him lose his starting spot.

The move to Deportivo marks a significant change in Patino’s career trajectory.

The transfer fee is reportedly around £1m, but Arsenal have secured a substantial sell-on clause that could see them benefit if Patino’s career takes off in Spain.

The midfielder, who holds dual English and Spanish nationality, was entering the final year of his contract with Arsenal, prompting the club to negotiate a permanent exit rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Charlie Patino celebrates his goal for Blackpool by shushing the Preston North End fans (Photo via Matt Scrafton on Twitter)

Patino has long been linked with a move to Spain, given his family’s connections to A Coruña and his own affinity for Deportivo, a club he has supported from a young age, something the Spanish club pointed to as “key to our Club being able to sign one of the most talented and promising footballers in English football.”

The Spanish side echoed Arsenal’s sentiment in their announcement, expressing their excitement at securing Patino on a contract until 2028.

Deportivo highlighted Patino’s versatility, noting his experience across various youth levels for England, from U15s to U21s.

The young midfielder is expected to benefit from a style of play in Spain that suits his technical abilities. Deportivo, who have seen a resurgence in recent years after struggling to return to the top flight, will likely provide Patino with the regular first-team football he needs to develop further.

The presence of former Arsenal striker Lucas Pérez at the club could also ease his transition.

Arsenal fans will no doubt keep a close eye on Patino’s progress in Spain. His departure underscores the competitive nature of securing a place in Arsenal’s midfield, with the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard ahead of him in the pecking order.

Nonetheless, Patino leaves the club with the best wishes of Arsenal’s supporters, who will hope that he can fulfil his potential abroad.

The move was initially reported earlier today, with Patino already in Spain to finalise the deal.

As Arsenal continue to strengthen their squad in other areas, this deal represents a calculated move, allowing both the club and the player to move forward on mutually beneficial terms.