Charles Sagoe Jr is making his name for the Arsenal first-team squad as Mikel Arteta takes a look at Hale End’s own Ronaldinho. So, here is everything you need to know.

The Gunners are famed around the world for producing future first-team stars and Sagoe Jr could be their latest sensation. Arteta has taken a close look at the youngster’s progress for Arsenal’s academy. The teenager even got his senior debut at Brentford in September 2023.

Sagoe Jr first joined Arsenal at the age of 11 after he left the academy ranks at London rivals, Fulham. His progress at Hale End would lead to his breakthrough at Brentford in the Carabao Cup third round. So, here is everything you need to know about Arsenal prospect Sagoe Jr…

Who is Charles Sagoe Jr?

Charles Sagoe Jr is a member of Arsenal’s academy and currently plays with their Under-21s under Mehmet Ali. He has been at the Gunners since July 2015 after joining the famed Hale End ranks from Fulham. Sagoe Jr also signed his first professional contract in July 2022.

Where and when was Charles Sagoe Jr born?

Arsenal talent Charles Sagoe Jr was born in Kingston-upon-Thames in south-west London on July 24, 2004. It was also his father who first introduced the winger to football as a youth. Through his family, Sagoe Jr is eligible to represent Ghana as well as England internationally.

What position does Charles Sagoe Jr play?

Charles Sagoe Jr can play in a number of positions but has predominantly honed his trade as a left-sided winger. Youth coaches have also embraced his versatility to play as an attacking midfielder or a striker. Arteta also gave Sagoe Jr his senior Arsenal debut as a right forward.

How good is Charles Sagoe Jr?

Arsenal have watched Charles Sagoe Jr develop into a promising attacker since arriving from Fulham’s academy in 2015. The forward offers a composed presence on either flank and has developed a real habit of scoring late goals. His expertise secured Sagoe Jr his pro contract.

Gunners chiefs moved to tie down the attacker’s future in July 2022 after he scored six of his goals during the previous season in the final 20 minutes of their U18 matches. He further laid on four assists during 2021/22 as one of the club’s top forward threats at the Under-18 level.

It did not take Sagoe Jr long after getting his professional contract to begin training with the Arsenal first-team, either. Arteta soon took a keen interest in his further development and gave the winger a seat on their bench for a Europa League tie at Sporting CP in March 2023.

What has Mikel Arteta said about Charles Sagoe Jr?

Further sessions at London Colney through 2023 ultimately led to Sagoe Jr’s senior Arsenal debut at Brentford. Arteta was also full of praise for his displays after their third-round win.

“Chaz was probably one of the most consistent players we’ve had in the Under-21s for a few months,” Arteta stated in September 2023, via the Metro. “He plays off the right, off the left, he’s played as a nine as well this season quite a lot, so he’s quite versatile in those positions.”

Sagoe Jr had already been impressing some in the Arsenal first-team before his senior debut at Brentford, too. Reiss Nelson loved what the winger produced at the U21 level in 2022/23.

“You’ve got everything to be an Arsenal winger,” Nelson told Sagoe Jr on the Gunners’ club YouTube channel in March 2023. “You’re unpredictable, you know how to move on your left, on your right, you can score [and] you can assist. You’ve got everything.”

Sagoe Jr has stunned Arteta and Nelson after developing his skills in Arsenal’s academy. He also draws inspiration from Neymar and Ronaldinho, having watched the Brazilian legends dazzle from an early age. Their joy for the sport helped cement Sagoe Jr’s love for football.

Speaking with Arsenal’s official website in March 2023, Sagoe Jr recalled: “I remember being mesmerised by watching Neymar and Ronaldinho videos on YouTube and then going into the garden trying to copy their skills.

“The Brazilian players were the ones I looked up to. They always played with a smile on their faces and they made the game of football enjoyable to watch.”

Charles Sagoe Jr’s stats at Arsenal

Ahead of the 2023/24 season, Charles Sagoe Jr had not played a competitive senior game for Arsenal. He had also not played for the Gunners in Europe but held a strong goals record.

Under-18, Arsenal: 32 appearances, 9 goals, 3 assists

Under-21, Arsenal: 32 appearances, 7 goals, 3 assists

First-team, Arsenal: 0 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists

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