Charles Sagoe Jr. speaks with calm confidence. There is no noise in his answers. He sounds focused on his future and the work ahead of him at Arsenal.
The young Arsenal forward has spent years inside the club system. He understands the culture well and knows nothing is given easily at this level.
Life Inside the Arsenal Academy
At Arsenal, there are new challenges every day. Every age group in the academy faces constant competition and rigorous training sessions.
Sagoe Jr. knows this is the price of progress. He accepts it fully and believes that pressure helps him stay grounded and hungry.
In an exclusive conversation, he shared honest thoughts about life at the club. He spoke about learning, pressure, and the standards expected every single day.
Why Is Bukayo Saka Called a “Joke”?
One name came up naturally during the discussion. Bukayo Saka. Sagoe Jr. smiled immediately when talking about him.
He described Saka as a “joke” in the dressing room, but only in a positive way. It is because of how good and consistent he really is.
Sagoe Jr. said Saka makes football look simple. His movement feels natural, and his decisions are always quick and smart.
What surprises young players most is his work ethic. Saka never switches off, even when the cameras are gone and training ends.
Sagoe Jr. explained that Saka trains like a new signing. There is hunger in every drill and focus in every touch he takes.
That attitude sends a strong message around the club. Status means nothing at Arsenal, and effort always comes first.
Young players notice everything in training. They watch how senior players behave, and Saka sets the example every single day.
Sagoe Jr. said there is no excuse to relax. Not when a star works harder than you, because that only pushes standards higher.
Those standards come from Mikel Arteta. The manager controls every detail, and nothing slips past his attention.
Sagoe Jr. described Arteta as demanding but honest. He tells players exactly what he wants, so there is never any confusion.
Arteta’s Demands Shape the Squad
Arteta expects intensity from minute one. Players must stay switched on, and mistakes are corrected immediately.
Sagoe Jr. said learning never stops at Arsenal. Even small errors are reviewed, and that helps players grow quickly.
The pressure can feel heavy at times, but it prepares players for elite football. Nothing feels too big later when chances arrive.
Sagoe Jr. accepts that challenge without complaint. He sees competition as fuel that drives improvement, not something to fear.
He also spoke about patience in development.
A Family Feeling at Arsenal
Watching Saka has taught him patience. Success did not happen overnight, and hard work always came before recognition.
Sagoe Jr. studies Saka closely during training. He watches how he moves, recovers, and prepares his body after games.
He also observes how Saka handles pressure. There is calm in his body language and balance in his lifestyle.
That mindset inspires younger players deeply. Talent alone is never enough at the highest level. Mental strength decides careers.
Sagoe Jr. said Arsenal feels like a family environment. Senior players guide the youngsters and share advice freely.
That support keeps the dressing room strong. Competition stays healthy, and respect remains high across all levels.
"The standards are ridiculous – No one's slacking. It's so competitive."
Interview with Charles Sagoe Jr on:
– Adapting to a senior U21s role
– Learning from Saka
– Amazing training standards
– A January loan
– International future
All that & more 👇https://t.co/bJrBlpOZ7c
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 19, 2026
Trusting the Arsenal Process
For Sagoe Jr., the goal is clear. The player wants to improve every week and learn from the best around him.
He is aware of how difficult and drawn out the journey is. He is not taking short cuts or hurrying his development.
Instead, he is trusting the process set by the club. With Arteta’s standards and Saka’s example, the message is simple.
Work hard every day or fall behind. Charles Sagoe Jr. is choosing to work and grow at Arsenal.
As featured on GoonerNews.com