Who is Charlie Patino? The Arsenal wonderkid who could feature against Burnley

Mikel Arteta is working tirelessly to find a winning formula in his first team squad but within the Gunners' talented academy set-up they may have a player who is capable of being a welcome breath of fresh air.

Charlie Patino is highly-regarded in the Arsenal circles and may even be handed an opportunity with the senior side before too long with Saturday's trip to Burnley being tipped as a potential chance to make his debut.

But who is Patino? We take a look at one of Arsenal's most talented young players.

Charlie Patino: Profile

Born in Watford on October 17, 2003, Patino was tipped for a bright future in football from an early stage.

Patino was spotted at the age of seven playing for St Albans City Youth Football Club and was picked up by Luton Town to join their academy set-up.

Speaking to Arsenal's website about the move, Patino said: "That's when things started to become serious because it was no longer solely about the fun of playing, it was about improving and bettering myself on a weekly basis and testing myself against some of the best youth teams in the country. "

After five years with the Hatters Patino was the subject of real interest from several Premier League sides and opted to join Arsenal's academy, saying: "Going to Luton from St Albans was a big step for me, but going from Luton to Arsenal was even bigger. I remember my dad explaining to me that not every boy has the opportunity do that and we really took the time out to make sure that we chose the right club.

"I'll never forget my first trip to Colney. As soon as I arrived, I told my dad that this is the place I want to be, not only for the amazing facilities, but for the opportunities this club gives to young players too."

Charlie Patino: Postition

The 17-year-old is a central midfielder by trade.

Renowned for his ball-playing ability, Patino has credited Santi Cazorla as a big inspiration for him as he continues to learn his trade with the Gunners.

He said: "I've always had an appreciation for that Spanish style of play. Growing up I adored Santi Cazorla as a player, and Cesc Fabregas and Mikel Arteta were some of my favourites too. But there's something about Santi for me and the qualities that he had - he was something else.

"As a midfield player there's so much I can learn from him, but from an attitude and professionalism perspective, and something a little closer to home, another player I really look up to is Bukayo Saka. He's two years older than me and I'm working my hardest to try and follow in his footsteps. That's the pathway I want to take at Arsenal."

Charlie Patino: What has been said?

Brian Stapleton, the Arsenal scout who discovered Patino told Goal: "Of all the years I've been scouting, he's the best kid I've ever seen.

"I got a tip off about Charlie from a guy, so I went over there and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. He was 11 and I think he was playing in the Under-13s, and I was like 'wow'.

"His first touch was unbelievable, his vision, his awareness of space. He was way above his years, he was on another planet to anyone else on the pitch.

"I made a phone call to my head of my department at Arsenal at the time

"Sean O'Connor discovered Jack Wilshere and he said to me that Charlie is the best player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End."

Charlie Patino: What does the future hold?

It's safe to the say that Patino has a very bright future in the game.

While Barcelona have been linked with a move for the English-Spanish midfielder, it's reported that the Gunners are preparing to offer him a new contract when he turns 18 later this year.

Reports have claimed that Arsenal have no intention of selling the player with the 17-year-old likely to be involved in Mikel Arteta's plans in the coming weeks.

Whether that comes against Burnley this weekend of AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup next week however, remains to be seen.

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