Arsenal are reportedly expecting to sell Charlie Patino during the summer transfer window.
When the midfielder burst onto the scene in December 2021, he immediately showcased his ability with a goal in an EFL Cup tie against Sunderland.
However, rather than become a mainstay in Mikel Arteta's squad as time has progressed, the academy graduate has instead found himself loaned out to Championship clubs.
In spells with Blackpool and Swansea City respectively, Patino has made a total of 41 starts and 24 substitute outings in the second tier of English football.
Nevertheless, the 20-year-old has found himself out of the Swansea XI for much of the time since the turn of the year and has not played more than 57 minutes in a first-team fixture since January 25.
That has naturally cast doubt over whether he will ever justify being reintegrated back into the Arsenal senior ranks.
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Arsenal ready to sell Patino
According to the Evening Standard, the Gunners are willing to cash in on the England Under-21 international at the end of the season.
Patino will have reached a point where he has just one year remaining on his contract, with club officials seemingly preferring to boost their financial position than hand out a renewal.
The report suggests that clubs in Spain are monitoring the situation, helped by Patino possessing a Spanish passport and any teams being able to avoid any paperwork issues.
While Patino has no experience of Spanish football during his youth or professional career, his style of play has been compared to former Arsenal and Spain players Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla.
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What other midfielders could leave Arsenal?
Arteta is also left with decisions to make over other members of his engine room with several players in a position where they could leave the Emirates Stadium.
Thomas Partey has recently returned from injury to make five appearances, yet the Ghana international has less than 15 months remaining on his contract.
There is an option for Jorginho's contract to be extended past the end of the current campaign, but it remains up in the air whether the 32-year-old will be kept in Arteta's squad.
Mohamed Elneny has not played since February 24 and appears highly likely to leave the North Londoners when his deal expires in the summer.
Darren Plant
