Joe Adams
Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.
@joeadamsjourno
Arsenal could have a ready-made replacement for Granit Xhaka waiting in the wings, with Charlie Patino touted as a potential successor to the Swiss midfielder.
Hopes were high that Sambi Lokonga might be the man to replace Xhaka when he joined the Gunners from Belgian side Anderlecht in 2021.
But his days at the Emirates now appear to be numbered, following a poor performance against Oxford in the FA Cup last week that saw him withdrawn by Mikel Arteta at the 60 minute mark.
In his absence, Arsenal scored three goals in 15 minutes, securing their progression into the next round, as they seek to lift the famous trophy for the 15th time.
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Arsenal spent around £17m to sign Lokonga from Anderlecht and fans were initially optimistic after hearing glowing references from the likes of Vincent Kompany, who worked alongside Arsenal boss Arteta at Manchester City.
However, the midfielder has struggled to break into the side, with Arteta generally using him as back-up for Xhaka and Thomas Partey.
His performance against Oxford was the final straw for many Arsenal fans, who believe his time may be up in North London.
Former Gunners striker Ian Wright was part of the cohort that questioned the 23-year-old's position. After the game, he told ITV: "You’re hoping at some stage it will kick in for Lokonga because at the moment it doesn’t seem like it’s happening for him. He’s just got to be patient I think."
But for many others, they have seen quite enough already, with Charlie Patino's name being mentioned among fans as a result of his impressive loan spell at Blackpool.
Xhaka has been in fine form this season, establishing himself as one of Arsenal's most important players under Arteta. However, supporters know that the 30-year-old can't go on forever.
Fans believe Patino could be the man to replace him long-term.
The midfielder has excelled in the Championship, displaying his versatility in midfield, range of passing and quick feet.
The 19-year-old has managed two goals and two assists in 23 games in all competitions for Blackpool and was part of the team that beat Nottingham Forest 4-1 in the third round of the FA Cup earlier this month.
Scout Brian Stapleton described watching Patino at a young age, stating: "Of all the years I've been scouting, he's the best kid I've ever seen," he told Goal.
And Stapleton wasn't the only one, Shaun O'Connor, who discovered Jack Wilshere, was another who sung the midfielder's praises. Stapleton claimed: "He [Shaun O'Connor] said to me that Charlie is the best player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End. The kid has got so much potential, but he's not there yet."
It seems the Englishman is starting to fulfil some of that potential now, with fans calling for his loan spell to be terminated, and the player return to the Emirates.
Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Granit Xhaka, Ian Wright, FA Cup, EFL Championship, Football, Jack Wilshere