Luton Town are one of many sides chasing the signature of young Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino.
According to Darren Witcoop, interest is growing in the 19-year-old and the Hatters are amongst the possible options for the Watford-born ace.
Patino is also gaining attention from Spanish and German sides, with Cardiff City named as one of the Championship clubs who are hopeful of striking a deal.
The teenager would prefer a permanent exit away from the Emirates Stadium, however, Luton are credited with looking into a loan deal for his services.
Arsenal would include a buy-back clause in any deal that saw Patino depart on a permanent basis, as per Chris Wheatley, rendering his exit less than simple.
A Gunners academy graduate, the youngster has made two appearances for the first team since his debut in December 2021.
In a ten-minute cameo appearance during Arsenal’s 5-1 thrashing of Sunderland in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, Patino found the back of the net to introduce himself to the Gunners’ supporters.
Opportunities were limited for the midfielder last season, so he linked up with Blackpool on loan in the second tier in order to gain regular game time.
Whilst with the Seasiders, he made 37 appearances and registered seven goal contributions. Patino scored three and assisted a further four.
The Englishman was ultimately unable to help Blackpool in their bid for survival, however, as they returned to League One after two seasons in the Championship.
Patino praise
He did gain plenty of praise, though, with former boss Michael Appleton stating the following after a 0-0 draw with Sunderland.
“He is as good as anyone I have seen dealing with the ball and with good movement of the ball,” said Appleton
“As you have seen tonight, he can play as a six, as a ten and as an eight. He has got a really, really good future ahead of him.
“He was outstanding tonight, especially in that second half. He controlled the game, it was his game, he played at his tempo when he wanted to speed it up he sped it up, when he wanted to slow it down he slowed it down, when he wanted to switch the play he did it.
“It was a very mature performance from a very young lad.”
Luton could do with an extra body in midfield, an extra touch of quality. Patino is capable of providing both, so this might be one to keep an eye on.