Fabrizio Romano reveals transfer truths on damaging Arsenal, Barcelona deal, as Edu plays with fire
Fabrizio Romano has weighed in on Barcelona sniffing around an Arsenal deal that would leave Gunners fans shaking their heads.
Arsenal have got very little wrong in the transfer market of late. The vast bulk of their arrivals have made instant impacts and have played huge roles in helping to propel the club into being genuine title contenders.
On the exits front, the controversial departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has proven to be another correct call.
Some may argue his goals could have fired them to fourth spot last season. However, his presence would’ve likely meant Gabriel Jesus wasn’t signed, and Arsenal are in a far better position now than they would’ve been with the ageing Aubameyang.
However, according to various outlets, Arsenal are vulnerable to losing a player they must strive to retain.
Rising youngster, Charlie Patino, is one of the hottest prospects the club’s academy has produced in recent times. Given Arsenal have brought through the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, that’s quite a statement.
The classy midfielder, 19, is currently on loan at Blackpool and by all accounts, is thriving.
However, Patino’s contract expires at season’s end and per Football London, Arsenal are yet to make an extension offer.
Arsenal do have fall-back option
The Gunners do retain an option to extend his stay by two years. Yet the publication reiterates they are yet to trigger the option. Precisely why isn’t stated.
Patino will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs come January 1, unless he pens fresh terms before then, of course.
On that front, multiple outlets including CalcioMercato, Mundo Deportivo and Sport all report Barcelona like what they see.
Patino has Spanish heritage on his father’s side and also holds a Spanish passport – two factors that could make a move more appealing.
Football London state Mikel Arteta has big plans for Patino in the future, though won’t trigger the recall clause in his loan deal with Blackpool. Clearly, Arsenal are content with his progress in the Championship and don’t want to hinder his development.
However, Edu is seemingly playing a dangerous game by opting against activating the two-year extension. Arsenal have lost highly saleable assets for free in the past, and losing Patino for nothing would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Mercifully for Gunners fans, Fabrizio Romano has weighed in on the Barcelona speculation and claims he’s heard little by the way of concrete news.
Patino to Barcelona? Romano isn’t convinced
“As we get closer to January it’s inevitable that we’ll get even more transfer gossip stories than usual, and one surprising one I’ve seen involved Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino being a target for Barcelona,” Romano said (via Caught Offside).
“Honestly I’ve no news on Patino and Barca, nothing concrete as of now.
“I’m sure Arsenal are really happy with his progress and he’s really appreciated by all the people into the club.”
Given Patino can sign a pre-contract agreement come January 1, common sense would dictate we’ll see a resolution in the player’s contract situation between now and that date.
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