Barcelona is mulling a surprise approach for an Arsenal teenager, according to reports.

Barcelona is interested in acquiring Arsenal teenager Charlie Patino, according to Calcio Mercato, as reported by HITC.

Patino is presently on loan at Blackpool, where he has made 16 appearances, scoring twice and assisting on two others.

The player has long been a target for Xavi Hernandez's team. Patino has made two senior appearances for Arsenal, scoring one in the EFL Cup last year against Sunderland.

Mikel Arteta is putting together a youthful group at the Emirates, and considering Patino's potential, he may wish to keep Barcelona at bay.

With Pedri and Gavi, the Catalan club has a youthful core in their midfield. Sergio Busquets, on the other hand, is anticipated to leave at the conclusion of the season since his contract is scheduled to expire.

Frank Kessie's future is likewise unknown, despite the fact that he only joined the club in the summer. As a result, the Blaugrana may wish to consider adding Patino.

Charlie Patino, a Barcelona target, has been praised by an Arsenal scout.

In an interview last year, scout Brian Stapleton praised Barcelona target, Charlie Patino. He described the Hale End graduate as the most exciting youth in the north London club's complete team.

In recent years, the Catalan club has acquired midfielders such as Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas from the Gunners. It remains to be seen if Patino will be the latest to join the list.

In an interview with GOAL, Stapleton stated:

"He's the finest youngster I've ever seen in all the years I've been scouting." I got a tip about Charlie from someone, so I rushed over there and couldn't believe what I saw. He was 11 and I believe he was playing in the Under-13s at the time, and I was like, 'wow.’”

Stapleton continued:

"His first touch, vision, and understanding of space were remarkable." He was intelligent for his age. He was in a different world than everyone else on the field. I called Sean O'Connor, the head of my department at Arsenal at the time. He asked what I thought, and I told him, 'Well, I'm not coming back.' I don't need to see anything else. You should sign this kid right immediately.'"