Here is how the Gooners have saved themselves from spending money in the market!
Arsenal’s pursuit of a centre midfielder was widely publicised during the summer transfer window. Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans was one of Edu’s top objectives.
During the transfer window, it was reported that the Belgian was interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium and that he would be ready to wait out the final year of his Leicester deal before making a decision.
However, if a rival made an offer this summer, Arsenal would consider it.
Due to a lack of depth and quality in the midfield, the Gunners wanted to buy a midfielder, and it was rumoured that Tielemans would be available for £30 million.
However, a deal failed to materialise. According to Sky Sports, Mikel Arteta’s side ‘cooled’ their interest in the Belgian towards the end of the window.
So far this season, it has shown to be a gift in disguise, as not only has Tielemans failed significantly, but Charlie Patino is beginning to show why he is highly regarded at the club, and there is potential for him to salvage a midfield slot.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are two players that are now untouchable in the team. Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohammed Elneny are the two reserve players, but their quality levels do not match that of the two starters.
Instead of wasting the dough in the January transfer window, Edu may be patient and wait for Patino to obtain the necessary experience before next season.
The 18-year-old demonstrated his immense talent during his senior debut against Sunderland last season, capping off an outstanding substitute cameo with his first senior goal.
This led to Arteta singing the praises for the youngster, saying: “He’s [Patino] a player that has a lot of personality. I’m delighted for him because he’s a kid that we like so much. To have his debut and score like that is something special.”
The promising teenager is now on loan at Blackpool for the remainder of the season, gaining important experience and getting acclimated to the physicality of first-team football, which will be crucial when he returns to the Gunners ahead of next season.
And the kid has had a good start with the Seasiders, which was highlighted by his debut goal against Millwall last weekend.
If the youngster continues on this path, it will demonstrate why Arteta was correct not to spend big money on Tielemans, and he might save £30 million by believing in Patino’s abilities.
