Arsenal’s Pre-Season Tour Squad: Charlie Patino Omitted as Young Talents Get the Nod
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has named his squad for the pre-season tour of the United States, but one notable omission is young talent Charlie Patino.
Arsenal’s Pre-Season Tour in the United States
The Gunners have traveled to the US to begin preparations for the upcoming Premier League season. During their time in the States, Arsenal will face Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
Upon returning to north London, they will wrap up their pre-season with matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon at the Emirates Stadium.
Notable Omissions and Young Talent Included
While the squad is a blend of seasoned professionals and promising young talents, Charlie Patino has not been included in the 26-man squad.
This decision comes shortly after Patino expressed his excitement about training with Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard.
Patino shared a photo on his Instagram story featuring himself and Ødegaard, accompanied by a wand and brain emoji, likely symbolizing “magician” and “genius.”
Some young players making the trip include Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Charles Sagoe Jr, and Jimi Gower. Their inclusion highlights Arsenal’s commitment to providing valuable experience to emerging talents.
Patino’s Contract Situation and Recent Performances
There has been some confusion about the status of Patino’s contract with Arsenal. Italian reports suggested it expired this summer, while UK sources believe the 20-year-old has one more year remaining with the club.
Patino spent last season on loan at Championship club Swansea City, where he made 35 appearances across the league and FA Cup. The previous season, he played regularly for Blackpool in the Championship, showcasing his potential as a future star.
📲 Charlie Patino on Instagram story, with Martin Ødegaard. 🪄🧠 #afc pic.twitter.com/NtejrTI8q2
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 20, 2024
Arsenal’s Pre-Season Objectives
For Arsenal, the pre-season tour is an opportunity to build on the progress made last season and fine-tune the squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Manager Mikel Arteta will use these fixtures to assess his players and implement tactical adjustments.
While Patino’s absence from the squad is a setback for the young midfielder, it does not necessarily mean he is out of Arsenal’s long-term plans.
Pre-season tours often require difficult decisions, and Patino’s performances in recent seasons suggest he remains a promising prospect for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s Pre-Season Tour Squad: Charlie Patino Omitted as Young Talents Get the Nod