Swans sign Arsenal midfielder Patino

After undergoing a medical at the clubs Fairwood base, the 19-year-old Englishman has become Swans head-coach Michael Duff’s seventh addition of an active summer transfer window following the attacking arrivals of Jerry Yates, Josh Ginnelly and Mikola Kuharevich, plus the defensive additions of Josh Key, Harrison Ashby and goalkeeper Carl Rushworth.

Patino though will be the club’s first midfield addition of the season. Known for his slick passing, the technical playmaker will provide further competition in the Swans engine room with Duff looking to form a strong squad capable of a play-off push this season.

Hard-working allrounder Patino will suit Duff’s high-intensity philosophy being a player who enjoys a physical battle. Having starred in the previous season on loan at Blackpool despite the Seasider’s relegation to League One, Patino is no stranger to the rigors of the Championship, contributing three goals and four assists in his time at Bloomfield Road. 

The England under-20 international will once again look to create chances for Swansea’s new number nine Yates, having been the chief orchestrator for the former Tangerines frontman’s 15 league goals last season. 

It would be though the impression left after playing against the Swans last season and the clubs style of play that would ultimately convince Patino to move to South Wales, with the Swans beating a host of Championship sides to his loan signature. 

“I’m really excited and can’t wait to get started. Playing against you last year [for Blackpool] was a really tough challenge and to be part of that environment is something I’m looking forward to,” said Patino.

“They’re a really good team with the ball and out of possession as well. Seeing us play against them last year made me want to be a part of it to try and develop myself and help the Swans get in the best possible position this year.

“Playing twice a week is massive and I think learning on the pitch from a lot of experienced players is important for me. Playing 37 games last year will help me here. 

“I’ve still have got plenty of learning to do and that’s why I have taken this step to take my game to the next level [at Swansea].

“I’m an intelligent player. I like to break lines and drive forward with the ball. We have a lot of technicians in the team, so to be linking up with them and showing my qualities will be really good. 

“I am a very creative player; I like getting involved in the action scoring goals and making assists.” 

Patino is looking forward to reuniting with Yates once more, this time in the black and white of the Swans.

“Jerry [Yates] is a bubbly character; he got a lot of goals last season. He shows his qualities week in and week out. I’m really looking forward to playing alongside him and hopefully setting up more goals for him this season,” continued Patino.

“We want to get to the best possible place. The play-offs would be a really big achievement. For me personally playing as many games as possible and helping the team in lots of different ways as I can by scoring and assisting will be great to help the team.  

(Lead image: Swansea City)