Arsenal player 'asks his entourage' to find him another club and is 'set to reject contract'

Arsenal could be about to lose a player who was once tipped to be a future superstar for the north London club.

There is a positive mood around the Emirates at present, with Arsenal flying high at the top of the Premier League.

They are currently above Liverpool on goal difference, with defending champions Manchester City one point further back in the title race.

Mikel Areta's youthful Arsenal side next face in-form Aston Villa at the Emirates on Sunday in a must-win match for both sides.

While the future certainly looks bright for the Gunners, they could be about to lose one talented young player.

Reports claims Charlie Patino, once dubbed the 'next Jack Wilshere', is set to leave this summer.

Italian outlet Pianeta Milan (via Sport Witness) claims Patino, 20, is planning to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

It follows reports the midfielder has become frustrated at his lack of opportunities under Arteta.

Patino was sent on loan to Blackpool last season and has spent the current campaign at Swansea, scoring three goals in 31 appearances for the Welsh club.

The report claims Patino already 'asked his entourage' to find him a new club and 'does not intend' to renew his current deal with Arsenal.

It is also claimed that Serie A giants Juventus and Milan are keeping him 'under close observation'.

The midfielder has been labelled a 'great opportunity' for both clubs as a free agent.

Patino is currently on loan at Swansea (Image: Getty)

Speaking to the Daily Mail back in October, Patino said he was still hopeful of working his way into Arteta's plans.

"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," he said.

"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.

"But 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."

Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Serie A, Juventus, Transfers, AC Milan

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan