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Arteta to unleash Arsenal 18-year-old v Forest, he’s so good it’s a ‘joke’ – report

Giuseppe Labellarte

Fri 7 January 2022 7:15, UK

Arsenal have a superb talent coming through the Gunners ranks in Charlie Patino.

The 18-year-old is one of the most highly rated youngsters at Hale End.

Known for his technical ability and agility in midfield, Patino has often played for higher age groups.

As a 14-year-old, Patino captained England’s Under-16s against Spain.

At the same age, he made his debut for Arsenal’s Under-18s against Chelsea.

This season, Patino has made 16 appearances for the Gunners at age and senior level.

The teenager made his Arsenal first-team debut in the Carabao Cup clash with Sunderland, and scored.

Mikel Arteta then included Patino in the Premier League squad for the Boxing Day clash against Norwich.

Now, has reported that Arteta will give the youngster game time this weekend.

Indeed, the outlet speculates Patino could even get a start.

Arsenal head to Nottingham Forest for an FA Cup third-round clash. And The Gunners are light in midfield at present.

Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles is reportedly closing in on a move to Roma.

In addition, there were no pictures of Granit Xhaka in training this week, leaving Albert Sambi Lokonga as the only orthodox senior central midfielder.

Arsenal gem can “really go to the top” – Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is a huge fan of Patino, naming him as his Premier League young player to watch in 2022.

“Go on YouTube and watch his clips. It’s a joke what you see,” (1/1; 11:42). “The talent he’s got. I’ve spoken to people at Arsenal.

“And what they say about him in terms of this kid, talent-wise, he could potentially be the best of the lot that’s come out in recent years.

“Very balanced kid, but has the fundamentals in his game to really, really go to the top of the tree. I think he’ll get the opportunities here.

“When you watch him, there’s a beautiful way he plays, the balance, the rhythm. The fans will enjoy watching him.”