Charlie Patino ‘targeted by Serie A giants’ with the 20-year-old

Charlie Patino ‘targeted by Serie A giants’ with the 20-year-old, once hailed as ‘the best player to walk through the doors’ at Arsenal, expected to leave the Gunners this summer

Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino has reportedly attracted the interest of Serie A giants Juventus, Inter and AC Milan ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old is expected to leave the club in the summer following loan spells at Blackpool and Swansea over the last two seasons.

Patino’s contract at Arsenal expires in 2025, with the Gunners expected to cash.

The midfielder had been highly rated at the Premier League title chasers, with Arsenal’s head of scouting Sean O’Connor previously described him as the ‘best player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End’.

Patino, who made his debut for the club as an 18-year-old in December 2021, is expected to have several options this summer.

Juventus are reportedly the favourites of the Serie A clubs to sign Patino, according to the Italian outlet Calciomercato. 

Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is claimed to have targeted Patino as he seeks to rebuild the Old Lady’s squad and reduce the wage bill.

Their pursuit is expected to be aided by qualification to next season’s Champions League.

Juventus currently lie third in Serie A, but with Italy on course to secure a bonus fifth spot in the competition next season, qualificiation appears almost assured.

Both Milan clubs are also reportedly tracking Patino ahead of the summer.

League leaders Inter could move for Patino if Kristjan Asllani departs in the transfer window.

Patino is also considered an option for AC Milan should Ismael Bennacer be sold.

Patino holds a Spanish passport through his father Jules, which would boost his hopes of moving to La Liga because of Brexit rules.

The Arsenal youngster has spent this season on loan at Swansea, making 33 appearances in all competitions. 

Only 15 appearances have come as starts, with Patino’s minutes having become more limited since Luke Williams appointment as manager in January.

Patino did not start in the first 15 matches under Williams, playing just 120 minutes across those games.