Barcelona are “long-term admirers” of Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino but the player is “happy” to stay at the London club, according to Goal journalist Charles Watts.

The 17-year-old, who has been described as the next Santi Cazorla, was expected to make his senior debut against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup last night but he wasn’t named in the matchday squad.

Even so, it is believed it is only a matter of time before Patino does make his first-team bow, after some very impressive performances for Arsenal’s Under 23 team this season.

The 17-year-old was born in Watford and has played for England at under 17 level, but he does have Spanish ancestry, leading to Barca taking a keen interest in the midfielder.

Patino is unlikely to feature in any Premier League games but his likeliest next opportunity to make his first senior experience will be the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie versus Leeds next month.