Robbie Burton’s departure to Dinamo Zagreb in a permanent transfer this week came as something of a surprise, but, as ever, the departure of a youth player means that another youngster is set to benefit.
Miguel Azeez could well be the primary beneficiary on this occasion, with the highly rated 17-year-old set to become increasingly involved for the U23s in the closing stages of this campaign before featuring more prominently next season.
It appeared rather unusual that Burton, who didn’t make a competitive first-team appearance for Arsenal, wasn’t loaned out in January, but the move to Dinamo comes at the right time for him, even if his destination isn’t one that anybody would have predicted.
Burton has always applied himself excellently at Arsenal and was 100 per cent focused but with a host of midfielders ahead of him, it was difficult to see where opportunities would come from in the near future.
Now Arsenal must turn their attention to the prospects that they still have at their disposal, and Azeez certainly falls into that category.
The youngster has scored some spectacular goals, both at schoolboy level and for the U18s, and if he can play with greater consistency and avoid injuries, he could go very far indeed.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Next one off the Arsenal production line! The academy is paying dividends.
Good luck Miguel Azeez (and to Robbie Burton for a good career)
Some people wanna change him, but I like him Azeez.
Azeez is looking very very good.
Azeez will benefit from Burton’s departure because he’s a Topman.
Best wishes for him
Am I right in thinking Robbie Burton has been captain through the age groups? I have seen him twice. He appeared to be a natural leader, yes, the type of player we have been missing. I was very surprised at his departure. I assume there is a story behind the headlines????