Right now, the connection between Arsenal’s Hale End Academy and the first-team is as good as it’s been in a long time.
Max Dowman has now joined the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the Arsenal first team, and it’s clear that all three have the ability to star for England one day.
Fresh on the scene, there’s a lot of excitement about Dowman in football right now, and the 15-year-old might even be able to help cover for Bukayo Saka whilst he’s out injured.
That being said, not every Hale End talent will make it to Mikel Arteta’s first team set-up.
And just this summer, Arsenal U21s have already said goodbye to Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Jack Henry Francis and Jimi Gower, three youngsters who have impressed at different points.
Charles Sagoe Jr might leave Arsenal permanently before deadline day
With that in mind, The Athletic have now revealed that Arsenal are ready to find moves for three more talented youngsters in their academy.
According to the report, Arsenal could look to sell or loan out both Charles Sagoe Jr and Maldini Kacurri before the deadline – two senior figures in the Hale End set-up.
And in addition, the Gunners are possibly looking to loan out 19-year-old Ismeal Kabia.
In particular, it might sadden one or two Arsenal supporters if Sagoe Jr left permanently over the coming week.
Charles Sagoe Jr playing for an Arsenal academy side.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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Sagoe Jr signed a new contract with Arsenal last year, a moment which pleased fellow Hale End graduate Saka.
And back in 2023, Reiss Nelson also spoke at length about Sagoe Jr’s ability, expressing how ‘unpredictable’ he was.
Speaking alongside his fellow winger, Nelson said: “You’re unpredictable, you know how to move the ball on your left, on your right, you can score, you can assist, you’ve got everything.
“It’s just literally about keeping your head down and just not getting distracted or disheartened by anything that happens in the journey towards you getting to the first team.”
Charles Sagoe Jr has only made one senior appearance for Arsenal
Despite making over 50 appearances for Arsenal U21s, Sagoe Jr has only appeared in one senior game.
Back in 2023, under Arteta’s watch, Sagoe Jr started at right wing for Arsenal in a 1-0 away victory over Brentford in the EFL Cup.
Sagoe Jr played in a front three alongside Nelson and Eddie Nketiah – a popular Hale End trio who might all be playing for new clubs soon enough.
Nketiah obviously departed for Crystal Palace in 2024, and it’s expected that Nelson will leave the club as well this summer.
Although, it should be noted that Nelson doesn’t want Arsenal to sell him just yet – he’d prefer another season out on loan, possibly at London rivals Fulham.
But if either Nelson or Sagoe Jr do depart, it’ll be a sombre moment for those who follow the Hale End sides closely – both were once tipped to be the next big thing.