Charlie Patino, once hailed as one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects, is reportedly set to sign for Spanish second-tier side Deportivo La Coruña in a deal worth £1 million, according to The Mirror. This move marks a surprising turn in the career of a player who had been tipped for big things during his time at Arsenal.
Patino, who rose through the ranks at Arsenal’s Hale End academy, quickly gained attention for his potential as a midfielder. At just 18 years old, he became a regular participant in first-team training and sent Arsenal fans into a frenzy when he scored on his senior debut in December 2021. The goal came in a 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Sunderland, and it seemed to herald the arrival of a new star.
Mikel Arteta, then struggling with injuries in his squad, handed the teenager his first start a few weeks later in an FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest. Unfortunately, Patino’s performance in the 1-0 defeat was less than memorable, and his appearances in Arsenal colors dwindled thereafter. He made the bench a few more times during the 2021/22 season, but it became clear that his future at the club was uncertain.
In the 2022/23 season, Patino was loaned to Blackpool, where he showed flashes of his talent. However, his omission from Arsenal’s pre-season tour last summer signaled that his time with the club might be coming to an end. As Arsenal continued to strengthen their squad with big-money signings, Patino’s position became increasingly untenable. A subsequent loan move to Swansea only delayed the inevitable, and now it appears that his Arsenal journey is over.
What makes Patino’s move to Deportivo La Coruña particularly surprising is the level of interest he reportedly attracted as recently as January. There were rumors of Juventus and other major European clubs being keen on the midfielder. However, Patino, who holds a Spanish passport through his father, has opted to move to Spain’s Segunda División.
The reported £1 million transfer fee may raise some eyebrows, especially considering Patino’s potential and previous interest from top-tier clubs. However, Arsenal have reportedly secured a significant sell-on clause in the deal, a strategy they have increasingly employed in recent transfer windows. While this approach often comes at the expense of upfront cash, it has started to pay off for the Gunners.
Recent examples include Arsenal taking a slice of Dinos Mavropanos’ transfer to West Ham and Matteo Guendouzi’s move to Lazio. The North London club could also benefit from the transfers of former Academy players Omari Hutchinson and Mark McGuinness, who are expected to bring in as much as £6 million this summer following their respective moves to Ipswich Town and Luton Town.
For Patino, the move to Deportivo La Coruña offers a fresh start and a chance to fulfill the promise he once showed at Arsenal. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, both Arsenal and Deportivo La Coruña will be hoping that the young midfielder can realize his potential and make a significant impact in Spanish football.
