Arsenal talent Charlie Patino has made it clear he wants to return to Arsenal and fight for his place following his loan spell with Swansea City. The young midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell at Blackpool last term and was shipped out on a temporary basis once again for the 2023/24 campaign.

Patino joined the Swans on a season-long loan in the summer and has registered four goal contributions across nine Championship appearances so far. Previously tipped by many as the 'next Jack Wilshere', Patino has only made two first-team appearances for Mikel Arteta's side.

However, the youngster has already built quite a reputation amongst Arsenal supporters after some stellar performances for the club at youth level. The 19-year-old bagged a debut goal at senior level in late 2021, but was only seen once more before failing to feature again.

Patino hasn't viewed this second loan spell away from the club as it being a sign that his time at Arsenal is set to end next summer and instead used the journey of William Saliba as inspiration. The French defender was sent out on loan multiple times before breaking into Arteta's starting XI and is now considered a crucial member of the squad.

Speaking to the Daily Mail about his own aspirations at Arsenal, Patino said: "It’s inspiring to see someone from Arsenal being able to go on loan, make a name for himself and come back and show his qualities at Arsenal because it is a massive club. Everyone’s journey is different.

"Bukayo Saka went straight from academy to first team. Eddie Nketiah went on a few loans, Emile Smith Rowe went on a few loans, so everyone’s journey is different.

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"Ultimately, it’s about getting to where you want to get to, and that’s the same for me. I want to play in the first team at Arsenal and being here is a massive pathway to help me do that."

If Patino continues to impress in the Championship this season, he could be handed his chance with the first team in pre-season ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are both facing uncertain futures ahead of next summer and Arteta may already be planning to integrate Patino into the squad with Declan Rice as his mentor in the holding midfield role moving forward.