Arteta could unearth Arsenal's new Aaron Ramsey in "mazy" 18 y/o Hale End sensation - opinion

Arsenal may have found their next Aaron Ramsey in youngster Charlie Patino.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who is capable of “mazy” runs with the ball, as per The Athletic writer Art de Roche, has impressed for the Gunners’ academy sides and could be set for a first-team breakthrough under Mikel Arteta.

Comfortable operating anywhere along the spine of the team, the teenager bears similarities to Ramsey, who was eased into the first-team during the 2008/09 season. Arsenal will be hoping that Patino can have a similar impact and go on to become a key player for the club over time.

Arteta has shown a willingness to give youth a chance, as evidenced by the frequent inclusions of Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and more recently Eddie Nketiah in his line-ups.

Also, with the Gunners lacking depth across the engine room, amidst links to Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, Arteta may have an in-house option in Patino from the Hale End production line.

The 18-year-old is clearly on the cusp of first-team action, having been eased in as early as December against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup. In his ten-minute cameo that night, the England under-19 starlet scored and has since been granted a further opportunity in the FA Cup in the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Whilst his integration into the first-team has been gradual, it is surely only a matter of time before we see Patino handed his debut in the Premier League.

In 15 appearances for the under-23s this season, the 18-year-old has demonstrated an ability to score and set up goals, having notched one goal and one assist in Premier League 2, although his game seems to be much more well-rounded.

It is worth noting that six of those appearances have been from a central