Charlie Patino has completed his loan move to Swansea City, and he’s already spent time in training with his new team.
Charlie Patino is joining Swansea City on loan from Arsenal for the season, with the Swans announcing the deal on Friday morning.
WalesOnline report that Patino held his medical with Swansea on Wednesday, and quotes from manager Michael Duff confirm the 19-year-old has already been involved in training ahead of their game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
“It’s with the lawyers,” Duff said of the deal before it was confirmed. “He’s trained today. He’s had permission from Arsenal to train with us today, so he’s here.
“It’s just about crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s in terms of the paperwork.
“We’re hoping he’ll be a part of the matchday squad (against West Brom).
“His pedigree speaks for itself with the football club he’s at. A young player but he’s played 40-odd games in the Championship which is a tough ask for anybody his age.
“I know he got relegated with Blackpool, but he’ll be much better for all of the experiences he’s had and hopefully we can benefit from that.”
Fabrizio Romano broke the news on Wednesday night that a deal had been agreed for a one-year loan, after which Patino will return to Arsenal.
The youngster has a contract with the Gunners until 2025, but he had been widely expected to leave on a permanent transfer this summer.
Earlier in the window, reports suggested Patino wasn’t keen on another loan, and he was hoping for a permanent exit – with Arsenal looking to include a buy-back clause in any potential deal.
But the situation changed, and the midfielder has now joined Swansea for the season.
Patino spent last season on loan with Blackpool, making 37 appearances, scoring three goals, and providing four assists.
His loan spell has mostly been spoken about positively despite the disappointment around the team’s relegation.
Before that, the youngster had made his breakthrough into the Arsenal first team last season, with debut appearances in the League Cup and FA Cup.