Mikel Arteta makes early FA Cup decision on Arsenal youngster called "a joke"

Mikel Arteta is reportedly considering handing Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino his first senior start when they visit Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday. Arsenal boss will be without a few midfielders against Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are out at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana and Egypt. Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka is also a doubt, leaving Albert Sambi Lokonga as Arteta’s only option. According to football.london, Arteta will include Patino in his plans regardless, but may open the third-round tie for an orthodox option. The Spaniard awarded the 18-year-old his senior debut in the Gunners’ Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Sunderland last month. He played the final 10-minutes and scored their fifth goal at the Emirates Stadium. Patino has also caught Rio Ferdinand’s attention. The Manchester United icon said on BT Sport (01/01, 11:42):

“Go on YouTube and watch his clips. It’s a joke what you see. The talent he’s got.   “I’ve spoken to people at Arsenal and what they say about him, in terms of this kid talent-wise, he could potentially be the best of the lot that’s come out in recent years.”

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