Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino scored a consolation goal during Blackpool's 2-1 defeat to Southampton in Saturday afternoon's fourth-round FA Cup clash.
It was the fifth direct goal contribution that Patino has managed this term, enjoying a breakout season in the heart of the Championship side's midfield. The 19-year-old is highly rated at the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners recently activating the two-year contract extension option in the player’s deal whilst they plan on negotiating on a long-term agreement soon.
Fellow-Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe had a similarly successful loan spell in the English second tier before establishing himself as a key member of Mikel Arteta's first team in recent years and Patino will hope that his impressive development at Bloomfield Road could put him in Arteta's immediate plans ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Granit Xhaka has more-or-less locked down his spot as an advanced no.8 on the left side of Arsenal's midfield three, netting three goals and providing a further five assists in the Premier League this term.
