Charlie Patino arrives in Spain to complete £1m transfer from Arsenal

Charlie Patino has officially arrived in Spain as he prepares to complete his transfer from Arsenal to Deportivo La Coruña.

The 21-year-old English midfielder, who has been with the Gunners since 2015, landed at Santiago de Compostela airport last night (Sunday) ahead of signing a contract with the Spanish club.

Deportivo have agreed to a transfer fee with Arsenal reportedly in the region of £1 million, including potential future add-ons, marking the end of Patino’s long association with the London club. It is expected Arsenal will have a substantial sell-on fee also included.

Patino, who was born in Watford but has family ties to A Coruña through his grandparents, is set to sign a three-year deal with Deportivo, with an option to extend for a further year, keeping him at the club until at least 2027, with the possibility of remaining until 2028.

Following his arrival, he greeted a small group of fans who had gathered at the airport before quickly departing for A Coruña to begin his new chapter.

The midfielder will undergo his medical today (Monday), and if all goes as expected, he will be available for selection by Deportivo manager Imanol Idiakez for their upcoming match against Racing de Ferrol this Sunday.

Deportivo see Patino as a key addition to their squad, with the club eager to finalise a couple more signings before the transfer window closes.

Patino’s move to Deportivo represents a significant step in his career, as this is his third departure from Arsenal but this one is permanent.

He made a memorable debut for the Gunners in December 2021, scoring in a League Cup tie against Sunderland. However, first-team opportunities remained limited under Mikel Arteta, leading to loan spells in the Championship.

In the 2022-23 season, Patino made 37 appearances for Blackpool, followed by 35 matches last season with Swansea City, furthering his development in competitive environments.

At just 21 years old, Patino has already accumulated valuable experience, both at Arsenal and during his loan spells. However, the decision to permanently part ways with Arsenal highlights the challenge he faced in breaking into a midfield that has seen significant investment and competition.

Deportivo La Coruña’s sporting director views Patino as a key part of the club’s rebuilding process, with the club making him their seventh signing of the summer.

The Spanish side is looking to return to their former glory, and the acquisition of a player with Patino’s technical ability and potential is seen as a coup. The move also highlights the increasing trend of young English talent exploring opportunities abroad, with Patino eager to take this new opportunity in a league where his playing style could thrive.

As Deportivo prepare for the season ahead, all eyes will be on how Patino adapts to life in Spanish football.

The player, who is a product of Arsenal’s famed academy, will be looking to establish himself as a key figure in the Deportivo midfield as the club seeks promotion ambitions in the upcoming campaign.