Arsenal set to send wonderkid Charlie Patino on Blackpool season-long loan transfer to get 18-year-old more experience
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ARSENAL are set to loan Charlie Patino to Blackpool, according to reports.
The talented teenager burst onto the scene last season, scoring on his debut in the Gunners' 5-1 League Cup victory over Sunderland.
He also started Arsenal's 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest in January.
According to Gunners youth expert , the North Londoners have decided that the 18-year-old's development would be best served by a season in the Championship.
The deal will see Patino play in the second tier during the 2022-23 campaign, but will NOT include an option to buy.
He will play under well regarded coach Michael Appleton at Bloomfield Road.
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Blackpool have been desperate to sign a midfielder after being rejected by Cameron Brannagan last week.
The Seasiders triggered a £1.2million release clause in Brannagan's contract, only for the 26-year-old to turn them down and sign a new contract with the U's.
Explaining his decision, Brannagan said: "It’s hit the clause and everyone’s seen that, but it comes down to how much I really love it here.
"I do and I think the fans, players and staff know that. Off the field I’m happy and settled and I love the place, so why would I want that to change?"
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While he has trained a lot with the first team, Patino has recently been with Arsenal's Under-21s during pre-season.
He featured in the young Gunners' 3-2 defeat at Boreham Wood last week.
Blackpool, meanwhile, started their Championship campaign with a win on Saturday.
Appleton's men beat unfancied Reading 1-0 at Bloomfield Road courtesy of Callum Connolly's ninth minute strike.
The Tangerines travel to Stoke on Saturday, with Patino potentially in line to make his debut.
