Juventus have received a boost in their pursuit of 20-year-old Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino amidst interest from Fulham.
According to a report by Calciomercato, Juventus are keen on reinforcing their midfield ahead of next season, and they have their eyes set on Charlie Patino. The 20-year-old midfielder has not really had the best of times at Arsenal, and he is looking to part ways with the North London club in search of regular first-team action. While Fulham are also interested in his services, the Serie A giants are currently leading the race for his signatures.
Patino has been a part of the Arsenal youth ranks since 2015. While he came up the ranks at some pace, he has not been able to break into their first team and only has two appearances for the senior team. After a loan spell at Blackpool last season, the 20-year-old is currently on loan at Swansea.
In the ongoing season, Patino has featured in 33 matches and has racked up over 1,300 minutes while playing for the Championship outfit. He has even contributed towards eight goals so far. The youngster has had a decent loan spell, and it has resulted in a lot of interest from across Europe.
Meanwhile, his contract situation at Arsenal is a bit complicated. Patino’s current deal runs out this summer, and he has no intentions of penning down an extension. The 20-year-old wants regular first-team action, but there is no place for him in Mikel Arteta’s plans. As a result, Patino has asked his representatives to find him a new club.
With the England youth international available for free, there is interest in his services from Fulham and Juventus amongst other clubs. The Cottagers want to reinforce their midfield in the summer. They want to make the most of Patino’s contract situation, but he prefers joining the Serie A giants.
Juventus’s reputation as a club and the fact that they will most probably have Champions League football to offer is what attracts the 20-year-old. As far as the Old Lady are concerned, they do not have the best of financial situations and are looking at clever ways to reinforce their squad without spending big.
They are on the lookout for free agents who can help their cause and Patino feels the bill. The objective is to lower their wage bill and ensure they still have the needed quality in their ranks.
