Arsenal have triggered their optional two year extension of young star Charlie Patino’s contract, keeping him at the Emirates Stadium until 2025.
The midfielder, who is on loan at Championship side Blackpool, was due to be out of contract this summer amid interest from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City. The Gunners had an option to extend his deal by a further two years, but that option was only available until the end of 2022, leaving speculation that they may opt not to do so.
However, the 19-year-old, who has wowed Blackpool fans in the heart of the Tangerines’ midfield, will be remaining an Arsenal player after all, with a new contract likely to follow in the coming months to reflect his current progression.
What next for Patino?
First and foremost, Patino will see out the loan spell with Blackpool, where he has already made himself a firm favourite with fans and staff alike.
The teenager has racked up 17 Championship outings, grabbing two goals and two assists for the Tangerine’s, and boss Michael Appleton was full of praise for his performances.
I’d like to think progression-wise he’s learnt a lot,” Appleton said. “He’s certainly developed already in a short space of time”.
“I think he is far more competitive than what people give him credit for. He’s had to play in two or three different positions and had two or three different roles in terms of what we want from him. He’s enjoyed that, he’s stepped up and taken the responsibility at a very young age.”
“I think both ourselves and Arsenal are delighted with Charlie. I think Charlie is in a good place and he’s looking forward to the games coming up”.
Currently in the Championship relegation zone despite those performances, Blackpool sit two points from safety at the halfway mark of the season.
