Arteta can fix Gyokeres blow by starting Arsenal gem who’s “shades of Isak”

Arsenal’s hopes of signing Viktor Gyökeres may have suffered a setback, but Mikel Arteta could already have the solution sitting within his own ranks. With reports suggesting Sporting CP’s prolific striker is now unlikely to leave in January, the Gunners must look inward for creativity and firepower. Luckily for Arteta, one of Arsenal’s most promising young forwards has been earning praise for his style and flair — a player many say shows “shades of Isak.”

For months, Arsenal’s hunt for a clinical finisher has dominated transfer discussions. The Gunners have lacked that ruthless edge in front of goal, with missed chances often costing crucial points in tight fixtures. Gyökeres, with his physicality, finishing, and consistency in Portugal, seemed a perfect fit for Arteta’s system. However, the deal’s collapse could prove a blessing in disguise if it accelerates the development of Arsenal’s emerging attacking gem.

That gem is none other than Charles Sagoe Jr, the highly rated 19-year-old forward who’s been turning heads at London Colney. His movement, dribbling control, and knack for finding pockets of space resemble the qualities that have made Alexander Isak one of the Premier League’s most exciting strikers. While Sagoe Jr is still raw, his ceiling is high — and under Arteta’s meticulous guidance, he could offer Arsenal something different.

Isak’s success at Newcastle has shown that a forward doesn’t have to be purely a poacher to thrive in the Premier League. Instead, mobility, link-up play, and adaptability can be just as valuable. Sagoe Jr fits that mold perfectly. He’s comfortable drifting wide, combining with wingers, and dropping deep to drag defenders out of position — exactly the kind of intelligent movement Arteta craves in his attacking structure.

Arsenal’s tactical setup often relies on fluidity. With Gabriel Jesus frequently dropping into midfield to connect play and Kai Havertz alternating roles between forward and midfield, the need for a dynamic, unpredictable attacker is clear. Sagoe Jr has already shown in youth and cup games that he understands this rhythm, seamlessly integrating into Arsenal’s intricate build-up play. His ability to play across the front line mirrors Isak’s versatility, making him a natural fit for Arteta’s system.

The youngster’s technical proficiency also stands out. His first touch is sharp, his dribbling deliberate yet daring, and he possesses a calmness in one-on-one situations that belies his age. Watching Sagoe Jr glide past defenders evokes flashes of Isak’s elegance — that combination of composure and confidence in tight spaces. For a team like Arsenal, where attacking moves often depend on fine margins, such qualities can make all the difference.

Moreover, giving Sagoe Jr more minutes would align perfectly with Arteta’s long-term vision. The Arsenal manager has consistently emphasized development and patience. He believes in creating pathways for young players to transition into the first team rather than relying solely on expensive signings. Integrating Sagoe Jr not only saves the club millions but reinforces a winning culture built on trust and talent.

Arsenal’s recent attacking struggles — especially when Jesus is injured — underline the need for fresh ideas. Sagoe Jr brings unpredictability and hunger, something opposition defenses might not yet be prepared for. Deploying him in select fixtures, especially against lower-block teams, could inject pace and directness into Arsenal’s play. Those are attributes Gyökeres might have offered, but they now lie ready-made in a Hale End graduate.

There’s also a psychological advantage in promoting youth. It energizes the squad, excites the fans, and sends a message that Arsenal’s future is being built from within. Every great Arsenal side — from Wenger’s Invincibles to Arteta’s modern iteration — has thrived on internal breakthroughs. Sagoe Jr could be the next in that lineage, following the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

Arteta’s trust could be the final ingredient. The Spaniard has a knack for nurturing emerging talents and turning potential into performance. He did it with Saka, turned Martinelli into a fearless wide threat, and molded Ødegaard into a creative general. With Sagoe Jr, he has another rough diamond waiting for polish — and with Gyökeres off the table, there may be no better time to unleash him.

Comparisons to Isak might seem lofty, but they capture the essence of Sagoe Jr’s game — tall, graceful, clever in movement, and technically sharp. Both players share a love for attacking space rather than standing static in the box. That mobility could redefine how Arsenal approach their finishing problems, prioritizing fluidity over brute strength.

If Arteta opts to start Sagoe Jr, it won’t just be a stopgap for missing out on Gyökeres — it could be the beginning of another Arsenal evolution. A system built on homegrown brilliance, adaptability, and fearless football. Sometimes, when a big transfer falls through, it simply opens the door for a bigger story — and in this case, that story might just belong to Arsenal’s own “Isak in the making.”