Sunderland have opened talks with a Premier League wonderkid over a loan move this week.
Sunderland are rapidly running out of time to sign even their first player of the January window, with Wednesday’s deadline just days away.
The Black Cats have been desperate to bolster their attack this month, and while their chances of signing a new striker look bleak, they do appear to be looking to add more creativity to their frontline.
According to Football Transfers, Sunderland are now in talks to sign Arsenal teenager Charles Sagoe Jr over a proposed loan switch.
The 19-year-old is yet to leave the Emirates Stadium on loan but has been attracting attention from a number of clubs, with the Black Cats looking the most likely to seal a deal before the deadline.
The report claims Sunderland have set their sights on Sagoe as an alternative to Amad Diallo, with Manchester United reportedly eager to keep hold of the Ivorian.
Amad was an unused substitute in their FA Cup win over Newport County yesterday, though Sunderland would have to work extra hard if they were to still have any chance of landing him this week.
Instead, Michael Beale‘s side will hope to bring Sagoe in to challenge the likes of Patrick Roberts and Abdoullah Ba for a place in the starting line-up.
Who is Charles Sagoe Jr?
Charles Sagoe Jr joined Arsenal’s academy from Fulham in 2015 and progressed up through their youth ranks before becoming a key member of the U-21 side last season.
The 19-year-old netted six goals and provided three assists in the PL2 Division 1 and has pushed on even further this term, scoring once and bagging six assists in only eight games.
Sagoe has also been a regular feature in Arsenal’s EFL Trophy campaign, while he also recently claimed a hat-trick of assists as he was named captain in the U21’s UEFA Youth League group stage clash with PSV Eindhoven.
After making his first start for the senior team in the Carabao Cup third round tie with Brentford in September, Sagoe’s antics with the academy saw him earn a place on the bench in the senior team’s win over Sevilla in the Champions League in November, as well as becoming an unused substitute in the Premier League victory over Burnley days later.
Sagoe has received great praise, with Arsenal’s U19 coach Mehmet Ali applauding him after his display in the UEFA Youth League game against Sevilla last year.
He said: “Charles is very level-headed and he’s desperate to improve and get better. He continues to work hard in training
“Of course, playing with the first team has given him a real confidence boost, but he’s kept his head and continues to work hard and I was really pleased that he got his reward with a goal.”