Barcelona 'monitoring Arsenal's Charlie Patino'

Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Arsenal's Charlie Patino ahead of a possible swoop for the youngster next summer.

The 19-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season, however Arsenal have the option for a two-year extension for the dual English/Spanish national.

The Gunners are yet to trigger that option, meaning that the club could lose the talent for free in the summer.

Italian outlet Calciomercato reports that the Catalan giants are keeping tabs on the Hale End prodigy.

Mikel Arteta gave the youngster his Gunners debut against Sunderland in the EFL Cup last December, with Patino scoring in a 5-1 win.

The midfielder has made 15 appearances on loan at Blackpool in the Championship this season, scoring two and assisting two goals.