The winger is a product of the Gunners’ youth system and has made only appearance for their first team. Mikel Arteta started him in the 1-0 EFL Cup win over Brentford in September 2023.

Arsenal then sent him on loan to Swansea City and Shrewsbury Town between February 2024 and June 2025. Sagoe Jr. then settled for a place with Arsenal U21s during the first half of the 2025/26 season.

In search of first team action, the 22-year-old joined Kalmar on loan in February.

Arsenal man enjoying life in Sweden 

Earlier this year, the attacker said he had to leave the north London club to continue his development.

Operating mainly as a left wing-back, he managed four goals and eight assists from 28 matches for the Swedish club. His performances saw AIK Fotboll make an approach in the summer window. However, the Gunners didn’t cut short his loan, and he’s still at Kalmar.

Charles Sagoe Jr. has given an interview to Fotbollskanalen to discuss his time in Sweden and his plans for the future.

On his season so far with Kalmar, he said: “There have been times during a few games where I haven’t felt like I’ve been my best self. You can always be hard and self-critical of yourself, but you don’t want to reflect too much on the dips, you want to have a balance.

“I’m trying my best and now, until the end, I want to finish on a high. During this bad period, I feel that I haven’t played as well as I can, which is normal because it is human that a dip will come.”

“But I want to work hard, achieve results and help the team during these eight games with goals and assists. I feel that it has been a good season, but there is still much more that I would like to do with Kalmar.”

Discussions with Arsenal 

Charles Sagoe Jr. took advantage of the international break and made a trip to London, where he had talks with the Gunners.

“They were only honest about a few parts of the game. That I should be positive when I have the ball, but also how I react without the ball. To just keep going and not be too emotional when things don’t go my way. It just gave me the advice to keep going,” Sagoe Jr. explained.

“I have a nutritionist who keeps a close eye on my diet and the supplements I need to take. Arsenal take care of you in every way, especially regarding nutrition and the mental side. If you have a problem, you can talk to a therapist or the coaches. Arsenal are like a family. They always look after you, even if you are not at the club.”

The Arsenal man’s temporary stay with the Allsvenskan side lasts until the end of this year. He will the return to the Emirates and doesn’t rule out joining Kalmar again in January.

“I don’t want to look too far ahead. But I am so proud of how Kalmar has been as a club. Especially for someone like me who’s come to a new country and had to get used to a new squad and coaching staff. I wouldn’t rule it out in the slightest (staying). But right now, I want to think about the present,” he added.

“We have a big match on Monday against Malmö where we hope to get a result and build momentum until the end of the season. After that, we will sit down as a family and discuss what the best solution is for me.”

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Last week, we covered the surprise in Spain over Mikel Arteta’s treatment of Zubimendi and Mikel Merino. Journalist Tomás Roncero even jokingly asked Arsenal to loan both midfielders to Real Madrid.

That could have been dismissed as one pundit’s frustration. Yet the Zubimendi-to-Madrid conversation has continued since then, with several Spanish journalists now joining in.

There is still nothing solid to suggest Real Madrid are preparing a move. But it’s a bit telling how quickly Arsenal’s situation has turned their midfielder into a perceived opportunity.

Real Madrid talk isn’t going away

On October 7th, Defensa Central picked up comments from Cadena SER journalist Javier Herráez. He explained that Real Madrid are concerned about their performances and refused to rule out Zubimendi becoming an option.

“I wouldn’t close any door on Martín Zubimendi, because Real Madrid aren’t doing well right now,” he said.

“At the club they’re aware of that and they’re worried about how the team is playing. I don’t think they’ll go for him now, but I wouldn’t rule anything out, especially in football. Above all in that position.”

A few days later, journalist Miguel Serrano also named Zubimendi among several midfielders who appeal to Real Madrid. Yet he was a little more cautious.

“Martín Zubimendi? The opening of a new avenue doesn’t mean they’re going to sign him,” Serrano said.

“If I were Madrid, I’d ask the price”

Now Dani Garrido has added his voice to the discussion. Defensa Central today relay comments from the Cadena SER presenter, who simply cannot understand Zubimendi’s lack of football at Arsenal.

“Having Zubimendi, for example, in London where he doesn’t play at all, absolutely nothing, zero minutes, and when he does play they put him at full-back… if I were Madrid, I’d ask the price,” Garrido said.

“Real Madrid should ask the price for Zubimendi because he doesn’t play at all at Arsenal and when they use him, they play him at full-back. He’s a perfect option for Mourinho.”

That follows Roncero’s comments last week, when he described Zubimendi and Merino as “footballing machines” and couldn’t understand Arteta leaving them out.

Arsenal don’t appear to have a Real Madrid transfer problem yet. They do, however, have a playing-time situation with the Spaniards which is giving people in back home every excuse to create one. And as long as that continues, suggestions of a return to Spain are unlikely to disappear.

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The Argentine striker has parted ways with long-time agent Fernando Hidalgo after his failed move away from Atleti. Now, reports from Argentina and Spain suggest the change could help him secure a transfer in January.

As you may expect, the Gunners remain keen on Álvarez, and the split with Hidalgo is already making headlines.

What’s more interesting is how the story has developed across the two countries, with details about the player’s family, Atlético’s anger and his next move.

What they’re saying in Argentina

It seems Argentine journalist Germán García Grova was among the first to break the news. He revealed that Álvarez had ended his relationship with Hidalgo, with no contractual ties remaining between them.

Grova also hinted that a former Argentina international could take over his representation.

Rubén Uría then linked the decision directly to Álvarez’s problems leaving Atlético Madrid. The striker had pushed for a move to Barcelona during the summer, only for the Spanish club to block his departure.

Hidalgo had represented Álvarez since he was 15. He handled his moves from River Plate to Manchester City and then Atlético.

According to El Intransigente, the breakdown followed disagreements over how the Barcelona negotiations were handled.

The report explains that Hidalgo had apparently led Álvarez to believe Atlético would consider a major offer. When Barcelona came calling, the club took a very different position. So Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín was very unhappy with the situation.

“There have been people who have deceived and confused him, and I’m very sorry about that,” he said.

Gil Marín also described Álvarez as “a good person going through a difficult period”. The player’s father, Gustavo Álvarez, has since become involved in finding a new representative.

Spanish reports bring Arsenal into the picture

There are further details from Spain, where Cadena SER has explained just how badly the relationship with Hidalgo deteriorated.

Journalist Pedro Fullana said Álvarez was deeply unhappy with the failed Barcelona operation.

“Julián was very unhappy with how the whole Barcelona operation had been handled,” he explained.

Fullana added that the striker felt Hidalgo was heading in one direction while he wanted something completely different. His family shared those concerns. They have reportedly been meeting potential replacements since early September.

Javier Pastore, who already manages Enzo Fernández’s career, now appears the strongest candidate. Miguel Martín Talavera told Cadena SER that talks are well advanced, although an appointment has yet to be officially confirmed.

The former Argentina midfielder runs The Elegant Game, an agency launched in late 2025.

And this is where things become spicy. Catalan newspaper Sport says Álvarez wants his new representative to negotiate a departure from Atlético, potentially as early as January.

The outlet also reports that Arsenal are watching developments closely. According to Sport, the Gunners would welcome negotiations involving Gyökeres as part of a possible exchange deal.

Could a January move become realistic?

Barcelona remain Álvarez’s preferred destination, according to Sport. However, the Catalan club have made no new approach.

Their attacking options have also changed following Gabriel Jesus’ arrival, leaving them with less urgency to pursue another striker.

Atlético, meanwhile, face their own problem. Álvarez has struggled for playing time this season. Sport puts his total at just 173 minutes, without a goal.

The Spanish newspaper also suggests Atlético’s previous valuation of more than €120m has become harder to justify. A new representative could help repair communication between the two sides and open discussions over a departure.

In the end, Arsenal’s interest is still there, according to Sport, and the player’s camp appears determined to find a solution. Seems like we now have another situation worth monitoring ahead of January.

The post “Deceived and confused” – Arsenal target’s drama takes another twist appeared first on Sport Witness.

The French club suffered a 2-3 defeat to Real Betis while Arsenal sealed a 1-0 win over Napoli in the first group stage fixture.

Prior to the international break, the Premier League winners suffered a league defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Gunners overcame that loss by securing a 2-1 win over Leeds United at the weekend.

The Ligue 1 side enter the Champions League clash after a 1-0 victory over Le Havre. They have only lost two matches this season, and the second was against OGC Nice in the league.

Injury blow prior to Arsenal clash 

Tiago Santos has enjoyed a good run this season, starting in all seven matches, scoring two goals. At the weekend, he was stretchered off the pitch, following a tackle from Le Havre’s Amir Richardson.

The right-back has suffered a knee injury and will miss tomorrow’s clash against Mikel Arteta’s side.

L’Equipe states the 24-year-old Portuguese will undergo an MRI scan on Monday to find out the extent of the damage.

Santos joined Lille from Estoril in July 2023 and has already suffered a serious setback. In October 2024, he had a cruciate ligament tear and was out of action for 320 days.

While waiting for the test results, those close to him aren’t optimistic and ‘fear another rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament’. Even if the test results are positive, he’s unlikely to face Arsenal tomorrow.

Lille manager Davide Ancelotti has summer signing Loun Srdanovic as another right-back. He could make his debut for the French club against Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal also have injury concerns 

Gunners summer signing Christos Tzolis will miss the Champions League clash as he’s still recovering from a setback suffered during the international break.

At the weekend, Sport Witness covered a report from Ecuador explaining that Piero Hincapié could feature against Leeds United.

He came on to replace Riccardo Calafiori in the 82nd minute. After Arsenal’s latest win, the 24-year-old picked up an injury during the warm-down, and there are concerns he won’t feature again this season.

Tzolis and Hincapié join William Saliba in the north London club’s treatment room.

The post Arsenal v Lille: Injured player to miss CL tie, Monday MRI scan to determine extent of damage appeared first on Sport Witness.

The Brazilian midfielder scored in Arsenal’s win over Leeds United, revealing afterwards that it was actually his first competitive appearance at home since joining from Newcastle United.

Injuries had kept him out of the previous opportunities, so he was understandably desperate to get on the pitch.

And there was another little surprise waiting for him before kick-off. Apparently, Riccardo Calafiori has developed quite a taste for Brazilian music.

Bruno Guimarães finally gets his Arsenal home debut

Speaking to Brazilian reporter João Castelo Branco after the Leeds match, Guimarães explained why the occasion meant so much to him.

“It was a difficult game. I’m happy too. It sounds crazy, but it was my first official home game,” he said.

“I didn’t play against Coventry because I was injured. Against Chelsea, I’d just come back, I was injured as well, so I didn’t come on.”

“So this was my first official home game. I was desperate to get out there and play my best football.”

At least the wait ended in the best possible way.

“I’m happy with the goal, with the win and, well, I think the Premier League is getting harder and harder,” he continued. “Leeds are a very difficult team to play against.”

“But anyway, it was important to bounce back after that painful defeat against Brighton, when we didn’t play well.”

“Winning today gives us confidence because there are still a lot of games ahead.”

It’s a useful result for Arsenal after that Brighton setback, and an important personal moment for Guimaraes. He’d spoken previously about needing time to adjust after leaving Newcastle, where he’d spent years as one of the club’s most important players.

Now he’s finally had the chance to enjoy a competitive home appearance, complete with a goal.

Calafiori’s surprising taste in Brazilian music

The Brazilian reporter had noticed some samba took over the Emirates’ speakers during Arsenal’s warm-up. He wondered whether Guimarães or Gabriel had chosen the playlist.

“Calafiori! Can you believe it?” Guimarães laughed. “It was Calafiori’s choice when the music started playing today. I said, ‘I chose that one.’ And he was like, ‘No, it was me, it was me.’ He likes Brazilian music, he really does.”

As revealed by Calafiori himself, Arsenal’s Brazilian influence apparently extends beyond the Brazilian players themselves.

Anyway, after a frustrating wait, Bruno G finally has a goal, a win and a funny little story to take away from his first home appearance.

The post “I was desperate” – Arsenal star signing reveals why Leeds United win was extra special appeared first on Sport Witness.

The Premier League winners showed keen interest in the striker in the summer window. He wanted to leave the La Liga side and had his heart set on joining Barcelona, who made their interest public.

However, Atlético refused to sell the Arsenal target to the Catalan club and even rejected an offer from Real Madrid. Barcelona were hoping for Diego Simeone’s side to give up in the end, but that didn’t happen.

Therefore, Barca sporting director Deco ended up signing Gabriel Jesus from the Gunners.

Arsenal couldn’t convince Álvarez

Towards the end of the window, Atlético Madrid were open to selling him while the north London club were the only option for Julián Álvarez.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta had held repeated talks with the 26-year-old. However, he only wanted Barcelona, while Fernando Hidalgo couldn’t secure a move. The Madrid club had requested him to cut ties with his agent.

The Argentina international has now parted ways with Hidalgo. Saturday’s print edition of Sport, while covering the latest, also reports about the Emirates club’s interest. He hasn’t scored or assisted after four matches this season.

He’s going through a ‘very delicate moment and wants to rebuild his image and try, with a new strategy, to leave Atlético’. To do this, the player is looking for a new agent. It could be his compatriot, Javier Pastore, who brokered Enzo Fernández’s sale to Manchester City.

Arsenal still lurking around 

The South American’s new agent has to negotiate with Atlético Madrid to secure an exit that’s favourable for all parties. Sport suggests it would be in the Spanish club’s interest to sell him soon as his valuation is dropping at an alarming rate.

Barcelona are aware of the change of agents and haven’t made further advances so far.

A potential move isn’t ruled out because Hansi Flick values and likes Julián Álvarez, who is still keen on moving to the Camp Nou.

Behind the scenes, Arsenal ‘remain very interested’.

The Gunners would be happy to negotiate a swap deal involving Viktor Gyökeres with Diego Simeone’s side.

If Barca decided not to take further steps, it will be easier for the English club to conclude the operation. Otherwise, it remains a complicated operation for January.

The post ‘Very interested’ Arsenal have offer lined up for January window appeared first on Sport Witness.

The Gunners have been keeping an eye on the Brazilian market for years, looking for young players who could eventually break into Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Ryan appears to fit that approach. He’s recently stepped up to Bragantino’s senior team and has also represented Brazil at U20 level this year.

Now we know there have already been informal contacts over a potential move, although Arsenal aren’t alone in following his development.

Arsenal make early approach for Ryan Augusto

So Arsenal have identified Ryan as one of the promising Brazilian youngsters worth pursuing.

ESPN Brazil explains that informal discussions have already taken place between the parties. Other interested clubs have also made contact, although they’re not named.

Ryan’s involvement with Brazil’s U20 squad has helped raise his profile. His promotion to Bragantino’s first team has given European scouts another opportunity to assess him against senior opposition.

And there’s an interesting connection with Gabriel Martinelli in this story. ESPN explains that the Gunners are following a similar recruitment strategy to the one that brought Martinelli to London in 2019.

Back then, Arsenal had been monitoring the winger at third-tier side Ituano before he turned 18. They kept their negotiations quiet to avoid attracting competition and eventually secured his signature.

Martinelli has since moved to Al Hilal, but his original transfer remains an example of Arsenal identifying Brazilian talent before their value rises. The club could now be looking to repeat that process with Ryan.

What Arsenal look for in South America

Another interesting part of ESPN’s report is the explanation of how Arsenal approach recruitment across South America.

According to a source familiar with their scouting strategy, the Gunners assess different markets according to the characteristics they associate with each country.

In Brazil, they particularly value natural technical ability. Argentina and Uruguay are viewed as markets where players tend to offer greater competitiveness and determination. Meanwhile, Ecuador and Colombia are seen as providing a combination of technical and physical development.

That last factor is considered useful when assessing how quickly youngsters might adapt to the Premier League.

Arsenal reportedly begin tracking some players at around 14 years old, particularly those standing out in academies and youth national teams.

Their current attention is focused on players born in 2008 and 2009. Those youngsters are approaching the age when international transfers to England become possible.

Ryan, at 19, is already old enough to make that move.

Why Ryan could fit Arsenal’s plans

There’s also a clear idea of what Arsenal want to do with these signings. ESPN says the club are looking for youngsters who could eventually provide cover for Arteta’s first team.

Instead of immediately sending them out on loan, Arsenal prefer to develop them through their U21 setup. That allows players to adapt to English football, learn the club’s playing style and potentially earn opportunities in domestic cup competitions.

It’s a system designed to keep promising youngsters close to the senior squad.

Ryan’s situation is still at an early stage. The informal contacts suggest Arsenal are exploring the possibility, with no formal offer or advanced negotiations mentioned.

His next performances for Bragantino and Brazil’s youth teams could therefore be important. But for now, the Gunners have made their interest known.

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The Spain international first left his country to join Borussia Dortmund in 2016. Newcastle United signed him a year later, only to sell him to Real Sociedad in 2018.

Merino’s performances for La Real convinced Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, who signed him in 2024.

At the end of the 2023/24 season, Toni Kroos finished his 10-year spell at Real Madrid. He formed a trident with Casemiro and Luka Modrić in the Spanish capital. Casemiro swapped Los Blancos for Manchester United in 2022, while Modrić left as a free agent in 2025.

Why Arsenal over Real Madrid 

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The World Cup winner’s father, Miguel Merino, was a guest on Goles con Parrado to discuss a few topics about his son.

When asked why Real Madrid didn’t sign Mikel and why he ended up at the Emirates, he said: “Well, look, it’s not just about Real Madrid. I think he’s a player who’s at Arsenal and has won the Premier League, has reached the Champions League final, he got to the semi-finals last year. He’s part of a world class squad, so he’s a world class player.”

On Thursday, AS journalist Tomás Roncero expressed his frustration over Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi’s limited role at the Emirates. He even asked Arsenal to send the duo on loan to Real Madrid in January.

Goles con Parrado’s host put it to Merino Sr. that since Toni Kross and Luka Modrić left, Los Blancos have been lacking a quality midfielder. He also said Real Madrid had his son and Zubimendi on their agenda and asks why they didn’t sign either.

Responding to that, Miguel explained: “Yes, well, but they opted for a different type of player for that position. So, it’s a perfectly respectable decision, isn’t it? The technical staff or the managers at Real Madrid sometimes go for one profile or another.”

Leaves door open for La Liga return

Mikel Merino’s contract with the Gunners runs until 2028. The hosts asked his father whether he could return to Spain and join a club, for example, like Atlético Madrid.

“Well, right now, he’s at a club that’s competing for everything. That’s what he wanted when he left Real Sociedad,” he added.

“Mikel left with a heavy heart. He wanted to take a step up in his ambitions as a footballer, to be a regular in the Champions League and try to win the Premier League, which he’s already achieved. He left Real Sociedad because he wanted to advance his career as a footballer, and now he’s at a top club.”

“If he comes to La Liga, well, I suppose he’ll want to continue in that rhythm of competing in the Champions League and keeping that motivation, but obviously he’s in a comfortable situation there at Arsenal, isn’t he? Because he’s experiencing exactly what he wanted when he left Real Sociedad.”

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Last summer, Arsenal signed the Ecuador international on loan from Bayern Leverkusen and made his stay permanent earlier this year.

Operating as a left-back and a centre-back, he played 2,763 minutes from 39 matches for the Gunners in his debut season. The 24-year-old then represented his national team at the World Cup, where he played four matches.

This meant the defender didn’t do the full pre-season with the Premier League winners. Last month, he struggled with injury and fitness, limiting Hincapié to 152 minutes from four matches this season.

Arsenal player took advantage of break 

New La Tri manager Marcelo Gallardo didn’t include Piero Hincapié in his first. Last month, Sport Witness covered a report from Ecuador explaining that a groin injury forced him to miss the latest international break.

Muscle discomfort and competition have limited his minutes for the north London this season. He took advantage of the break to focus on improving his physical conditioning and El Diario now cover the latest.

Ecuador’s medical staff are monitoring his progress at Arsenal, ahead of his availability for the next international break.

The outlet states: ‘Medical reports indicate a positive evolution after the accumulated fatigue from the World Cup and the pace of the last season.’

It’s possible El Diario would have obtained this information from the national team or from the player’s camp.

Arsenal man could be in contention to face Leeds

The Gunners would want to overcome the disappointment of a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion when they face Leeds United on Saturday.

Piero Hincapié is expected to make it to Mikel Arteta’s squad for this weekend’s clash. However, the report adds Arsenal’s coaching staff will assess his condition after the final training session.

In short, the final decision about his involvement will only be after the final session. The national team would prefer the 24-year-old features regularly so that he can get in shape and rhythm for November’s international break.

Should he not feature against the Whites, there’s a good possibility Hincapié will get minutes against Lille next Tuesday.

The post Arsenal player’s medical reports ‘indicate positive evolution’ – Coaching staff yet to make final decision appeared first on Sport Witness.

The Gunners have been following the 17-year-old for months, but things now appear to have become somewhat concrete. With Mora turning 18 next week, reports from Mexico suggest his future could finally be decided.

Liverpool were recently credited with a huge offer for the Tijuana midfielder. Now Arsenal are said to have made their own move.

Arsenal enter the bidding

Mexican outlet El Porvenir reported that Arsenal have submitted a proposal to Tijuana for Mora. They claim the Gunners have approached Tijuana’s directors to open talks over a possible January transfer.

And according to them and the country’s main newspaper El Universal, Liverpool had looked like the favourites to win the race until a few days ago. That’s changed with Arsenal’s arrival at the negotiating table.

The new reports also put Mora’s release clause at €24m (£20.9m), although that figure raises a few questions. Earlier this week, TUDN journalist David Faitelson claimed Liverpool’s offer surpassed €43m (£37.4m).

Neither report explains the difference between those figures. So for now, there’s no clear picture of what Tijuana would actually accept.

Still, the important development for Arsenal is that two Mexican newspapers are now talking about concrete steps towards a deal.

European move already lined up

There’s a growing feeling in Mexico that Mora’s future away from Tijuana is already taking shape.

Mexican newspaper Esto has since gone further, saying Mora already has everything agreed for a move to Europe. However, there’s still no confirmation of his destination.

His 18th birthday on October 14 is now being treated as a key date. El Universal even suggests his next club could be announced next week.

That’s also why his recent absence from the Mexico squad has attracted so much attention. ESPN said those around Mora wanted to avoid any injury that could complicate the transfer.

Mexico manager Rafael Márquez certainly sounds confident about the player’s next step.

“I think Gilberto has a lot of talent. I think he can have a great future. He can fit into any team and has the mentality to succeed,” he told El Imparcial.

“Wherever he goes, he’ll have plenty of opportunities and a great career.”

So Arsenal now might be questioning whether their reported proposal can change a race Liverpool appeared to be leading. And with Mora’s birthday just around the corner, we may not have to wait much longer for an answer.

Mexican players in the Premier League

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