Juventus have intensified their scouting efforts for Arsenal’s young talent, Charlie Patino, who shone in Swansea’s recent FA Cup match against Morecambe, capturing attention with his Player of the Match performance.
Juventus‘s interest in Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino has been intensifying, with scouts attending Swansea City’s clash against Morecambe in the FA Cup this weekend.
The Arsenal loanee caught the eye with a superb display, scoring a goal and winning the Player of the Match award, as Swansea, unlike Arsenal, progressed to the next round of the FA Cup.
Patino, who had a challenging end to 2023 at Swansea, has found his form at the start of 2024.
Interim manager Alan Sheehan acknowledged the need for improvement in certain areas of Patino’s game earlier, saying, “There’s areas of his game where, although it might seem harsh at the moment in not playing him, he will improve for it.”
This focus on development seems to have paid off, with Patino earning a start in the FA Cup match against Morecambe.
The 20-year-old seized this opportunity brilliantly, playing a more advanced role and scoring the opening goal with a first-time volley from close range.
He played the full 90 minutes, helping Swansea to their 2-0 win and earning the admiration of the fans, who voted him as the Player of the Match.
Charlie Patino scores in the FA Cup!! pic.twitter.com/EYXGDtQdkx
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Patino reflected on his new position, saying, “Yesterday, the gaffer was talking about as an eight, he wants goals and assists, and to make the box.
“I found myself in an area where I can make the box, and it was a great delivery from Sam [Parker]. I found myself onside as well, and slotted it in.
“A couple of minutes later I could have scored a header. So yeah, I’m just trying to put myself in the best positions in the box to get goals and assists because that’s important for an attacking midfielder.”
His performance has not only delighted Swansea fans but also caught the attention of Juventus, who are reportedly on the hunt for a midfielder after losing Nicolo Fagioli and Paul Pogba to long-term bans.
Calciomercato.it reported that Juventus sent scouts to watch Patino, who has been on their radar for some time. Cristian Giuntoli, the director of football at Juventus, is said to be a long-term admirer of the English playmaker, considering him one of the best talents produced by Arsenal’s academy in recent years.
This interest from Juventus is backed up by reports that they had a scout in Wales to ‘watch up close a profile’ they have been monitoring for some time.
AC Milan and Inter Milan have also reportedly scouted Patino, who possesses ‘high technical quality’.
Despite Juventus’s interest, Arsenal value Patino at a minimum of €30 million and have shown no intention of letting him go at this stage.
However, Juventus continue to monitor his progress closely. As for Patino, his immediate focus is on maintaining his form for the upcoming match against Birmingham.