Arsenal to trigger young star’s contract extension amid interest from Spain

Manchester City made a huge statement on Thursday evening as they defeated Liverpool 3-2 in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. 

Erling Haaland was once again on the score sheet for City, netting his 24th goal of the season across all competitions.

The Norwegian’s form will worry Arsenal, who currently sit top of the Premier League table, five points clear of the reigning champions.

Mikel Arteta’s side face West Ham United on Boxing Day and, with City not playing until two days later, The Gunners could extend their lead to eight points for a short while at least.

The north London outfit have been in sensational form so far this term, with a number of young stars impressing at The Emirates.

Now, though, it appears that the club are set to extend the contract of one player that is currently out on loan.

According to The Mail, The Gunners will trigger a two-year extension on Charlie Patino’s contract.

The 19-year-old’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, but his employers have the option to trigger a two-year extension and they are planning to do so this week, it is claimed.

The decision comes amid reported interest from a number of clubs across Europe, including Spanish giants Barcelona.

Patino scored against Sunderland on his Arsenal debut last year

The teenager is currently on loan at Championship side Blackpool and he has impressed with his performances for The Tangerines.

Despite Arsenal planning to extend his deal, it is understood that there have so far been no negotiations over a new, long-term contract.

Midfielder Patino scored on his senior debut for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup last year and has also featured in The FA Cup.

The Gunners are currently in the process of negotiating long-term contract extensions for first team trio Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba, but it is understood that figuring out Patino’s future is also on the club’s to-do list.

Patino has been capped by England at several age groups up to under-19s, but he looks likely to break into the under-20s squad in the coming months and could even feature in the under-20 World Cup next summer.