Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Canton

Charlie Patino shutout by Arsenal man facing nervous wait amid Evan Ndicka transfer uncertainty

Arsenal sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a team that has shocked the league with its combined quality. The squad, however, still lacks strength in depth and a future objective of Mikel Arteta is to reinforce the side with internal and external options.

Although it may come too soon to see those out on loan support the title charge, the 2023/24 season will provide further opportunity for some of the Gunners’ rising stars to earn their place. Arsenal have a plethora of talent out on loan, including midfielder Charlie Patino.

With Blackpool, Patino faced off against another of the Gunners’ loanees this past Saturday. Drawing 0-0 with Birmingham, Auston Trusty helped the Blues keep a clean sheet away from home.

READ MORE: Matheus Cunha to Arsenal raises red flags as Edu risks transfer trap and summer consequences

Patino has become a key figure for the Lancashire club and is already a firm fan favourite. Mikel Arteta gave him a chance in the senior side last season in both the Carabao and FA Cups.

Whilst Patino came through the youth academy, Trusty, now 24, was signed in January from the Colorado Rapids before returning to play in the MLS until the summer when he then left for the Championship club and has equally impressed in the English second tier. Both players are in with a shout to be part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.

However, whilst Patino might already be in the eye of Arteta, Trusty is yet to receive the same treatment or even get a minute in the pre-season with the Spaniard. To make things worse, there had been suggestions that Arsenal had agreed on a potential free transfer with Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka.

That said, conflicting reports from BILD have since claimed the 23-year-old centre-half is yet to make a decision on his future. With his contract up at the end of the season, Arsenal could sign the accomplished Frenchman and then sell Trusty for a profit after his impressive year in the Championship.

Should Arsenal be unable to secure Ndicka, Trusty is proving to be a valuable player and one who operates on the left-hand side which would provide strong cover for Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian is the only senior left-footed player left after Pablo Mari’s loan move to Monza that would become permanent should the Serie A side avoid relegation.

With significant investment expected in the forward line, with suggestions the club are pushing to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk, finding a beneficial financial solution in defence could be of great interest to Edu.

Like William Saliba when he was at Marseille, the Gunners are sure to be keeping a close eye on Trusty and will be aware of the performances and progress he has made.

READ NEXT:

How Mykhaylo Mudryk would fit in at Arsenal as Stan Kroenke makes January transfer decision

Arsenal’s Danilo interest ends as Mikel Arteta challenges Edu to find January transfer quality

Ben White returns to Arsenal training ahead of AC Milan clash after England World Cup squad exit

Why Arsenal and England hero Bukayo Saka should win 2022 Fans' Footballer of the Year award

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.