Why Arsenal star is looking forward to being taken out of his comfort zone with Blackpool

The highly-rated Arsenal midfielder became Blackpool’s fifth signing of the summer on Wednesday, agreeing a season-long loan move from the Emirates Stadium.

The 18-year-old has been on the fringes of Mike Arteta’s first-team squad and made two senior appearances for the Gunners last season.

But the England Under-19 international believes a temporary move to Bloomfield Road could be the best thing for his development.

“I’m buzzing, it’s a really great opportunity for me and I feel like I’m ready for this next stage of my career,” Patino said.

“Speaking to Michael (Appleton), it was a really great feeling he gave to me and I’m just really excited to get going.

“Coming down into the Championship, the players are going to be a lot older and a lot more experienced than myself, so it will take me out of my comfort zone and that will ultimately develop me as a player on and off the pitch as well.

“When I was doing research on the club I noticed a lot of the players he’s brought through. Not only at Blackpool but at Lincoln as well.

“Ultimately he’s a really good manager and I’m really excited to work with him. He’s given me that trust to come to Blackpool and I just want to show everyone what I can do on the pitch.”

While the Seasiders will have done plenty of research on Patino, the youngster has also done his homework on Blackpool too.

The midfielder spoke to his former Arsenal teammate and ex-Pool loanee Dan Ballard before joining the club, as well as Chelsea full-back Dujon Sterling, who also enjoyed an excellent season with the Seasiders last term.

“I had a little chat with them and they had the most praise for the club,” Patino added.

“They said it’s the most amazing place to be and everyone is most welcome and the fans, the Tangerine Army, are on their feet at home and away games, so I’m just buzzing to show them what I’m about.”