Forget finances, another key factor could scupper Reading FC move for Arsenal man: View | OneFootball

Forget finances, another key factor could scupper Reading FC move for Arsenal man: View | OneFootball

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Football League World

·24 December 2023

Forget finances, another key factor could scupper Reading FC move for Arsenal man: View

Article image:Forget finances, another key factor could scupper Reading FC move for Arsenal man: View

Reading are interested in a loan deal for Arsenal winger Charles Sagoe, according to TEAMtalk.

The 19-year-old has only made one senior competitive appearance for the Gunners during his career thus far, with that display coming against Brentford in the Carabao Cup earlier this term.


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With this in mind, the Gunners are considering loaning him out, having seen him perform against some first-team sides in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy in recent months.

One of those sides was the Royals and he didn't exactly have the best opportunity to prove his worth that night considering Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson were also on the pitch at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, with Nelson putting in a particularly impressive display that evening.

But the Berkshire side are reportedly interested in Sagoe regardless of this - and are one of four sides currently keeping tabs on him.

Reading FC's financial situation may put them at the back of the queue for Charles Sagoe

TEAMtalk believes Millwall and the Royals' league rivals Barnsley and Charlton Athletic are also keeping tabs on the teenager.

The Tykes and the Addicks aren't loaded with cash, with both needing to ensure they aren't overspending, but they don't have severe cash flow problems like the Berkshire side does.

And with their Championship status, the Lions may be a more attractive destination than the SCL Stadium, so Ruben Selles' side may face a real challenge in their quest to secure the winger's signature if they do make an approach for him.

They may have terminated Ovie Ejaria's contract and Dom Ballard could potentially return to Southampton in January after sustaining a season-ending injury, but Selles isn't expecting to make any signings during the upcoming transfer window.

A takeover would ease their financial worries, but current owner Dai Yongge is yet to give a party a period of exclusivity to complete a purchase, so a purchase doesn't look likely before the end of the winter window.

Another key factor that could prevent Reading FC and Arsenal agreement for Charles Sagoe

It does feel as though the Royals' left wing area could benefit from an addition, especially after Ballard's injury setback.

Paul Mukairu hasn't been hugely impressive and although Caylan Vickers has been decent this term, he put in a very poor performance against Oxford United and that may not benefit him for the remainder of the campaign.

Others can also operate on the left, including Ben Elliott, but the ex-Chelsea man is more effective through the middle.

But with Mukairu, Vickers and Elliott all likely to want game time, and the former potentially having an agreement in his contract that means he needs to play a certain number of minutes, Sagoe isn't guaranteed to start regularly at the SCL Stadium despite the club's willingness to give young players an opportunity to shine. Their summer business reinforced that.

The Gunners probably won't force clubs to pay a loan fee for him or a big chunk of his wages, which could allow the Royals to remain in the race, but they will be keen to see their young player win as much time as possible.

Selles may not be able to offer him too much time on the pitch, which could end up scuppering an agreement between the Berkshire outfit and Mikel Arteta's side.

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