Arsenal academy star Charlie Patino makes season-long loan move to Swansea City
Arsenal academy star Charlie Patino has made a season-long loan move to Swansea City and is ‘really excited’ to get started with the Welsh club. The 19-year-old has long been touted as one of the brightest young prospects at Arsenal, but is yet to break into the first team, making just two appearances, one in the FA Cup and one in the League Cup.
The teenager spent last season on loan in the Championship with Blackpool, making 37 appearances in all competitions, and returns to the second tier with Swansea this time around.
Patino Excited to Join Swansea
‘I’m really excited and can’t wait to get started,’ Patino said on joining the Swans. ‘Playing against Swansea City last year was a really tough challenge so I’m really looking forward to being part of it.
‘Swansea are a really good team with the ball in and out of possession. It just made me want to be part of it this year. I think this is a good place to help me develop, and I just want to get the team in the best possible position this year.
‘The facilities here are Premier League standard and I’m really looking forward to working here every day. I’m looking forward to seeing the manager and players, and get training.’
Patino Gained Valuable Experience at Blackpool
Patino believes his experience at Blackpool last season will help him adjust quickly to life at Swansea. ‘I developed a lot last season at Blackpool. When you’re coming from an academy, it’s a lot different from being in a first team environment. In a first team, you’re fighting for three points every week and games are always just around the corner and it’s Saturday, Tuesday most weeks.
‘I think learning on the pitch from a lot of experienced players at Blackpool was massive for me. And at Swansea as well, there’s a lot of experienced players and it will be great to learn from them.
‘Playing 37 games last year was massive for me and I believe that will help me start well here. I’m really looking forward to it.’
An Arsenal statement read: ‘We wish Charlie all the best for his loan spell at Swansea and look forward to seeing his continued development.’
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