Back to the Arsenal Newsfeed

Mikel Arteta ready to use wonderkid Charlie Patino more after midfielder netted on his first-team debut against Sunderland but insists he won't rush the youngster

Mikel Arteta has opened the door for Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino to earn more first-team opportunities during the rest of the season.

The 18-year-old made a goalscoring debut in Tuesday's 5-1 win over Sunderland to help the Gunners qualify for the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Highly-rated Patino has been a regular in England age groups and consistently been talked up by those at the club's Hale End academy.

Mikel Arteta handed Charlie Patino his first-team debut against Sunderland on Tuesday

With Arsenal set to lose central midfielders Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny for the majority of January due to their involvement at the African Cup of Nations, Arteta was asked if that could mean more chances for the teenager.