Serie A giants form orderly queue to sign exceptional Arsenal Hale End graduate

Arsenal's famous youth academy has seen many great prodigies come through the ranks over the years. Currently, it is Bukayo Saka who is taking the world by storm and getting a consistent run-out in the Arsenal starting lineup.

However, the same cannot be said for other Hale End graduates who are forced into making a name for themselves elsewhere. Donyell Malen and Serge Gnabry are the most recent examples of those players but they could soon be joined by another promising youngster.

Serie A giants form orderly queue to sign exceptional Arsenal Hale End graduate

As per Calcio Mercato, Roma and Juventus would both like to sign Charlie Patino when his Arsenal contract expires this summer. It is stated within the report that Patino would not like to extend his stay in North London and he is ready for the next step up, after spending two seasons on loan in the Championship.

It is understandable. After all, Patino has been on the cusp of his big European breakthrough for some time now and after two years impressing on loan, hasn't been given a boost of confidence by Mikel Arteta. Therefore, Patino's desire to take on a new challenge is understandable.

Interestingly, the report states that Juventus and Roma are in a battle to land Michele Fratini, the football scout with big pedigree. In the past, Fratini has stated that Patino is "one of the greatest midfielders around." BIG praise from a BIG scout. Therefore, the destination of Patino could be decided by one simple consideration - Who signs Fratini, also gets Patino.

Charlie Patino unfortunately plays in a position which is almost impossible to break into. He plays a role which is similar to that of Declan Rice, Arsenal's record signing. It would take a miracle to replace Declan Rice in the starting eleven and while Patino is showing promising signs, he is not near the level of Rice.

I cannot help but think that letting go of Patino is a decision which Mikel Arteta will come to regret later down the line. However, context matters. If Patino stays at Arsenal, he won't get many first-time minutes and runs the risk of seeing his value decrease. Therefore, it is understandable that Patino would like to shine in Serie A. We hope he fulfils his destiny to become a world-beater.

Do you think Arsenal will regret not keeping ahold of Hale End graduate Charlie Patino?