Miguel Azeez has returned to Arsenal following another frustrating loan spell.
The midfielder, who not too long ago was widely seen as one of the club’s standout prospects, endured a hugely frustrating time at Wigan Athletic during which he made just two senior appearances.
Azeez was restricted to featuring for Wigan’s U21 side and wasn’t really in contention once Shaun Maloney took over as manager.
After also struggling to make a sustained impact during stints at Portsmouth and Ibiza, Azeez is running out of time to fulfil his aspirations of being a success at Arsenal.
The club will have to make a decision this summer on Azeez, and it is possible that the 20-year-old could be sent out for a fourth loan spell.
If that scenario occurs and Azeez is unsuccessful again then that will surely be it as far as his Arsenal career is concerned.
Azeez has fantastic passing ability and close control but his work off the ball has been a longstanding concern.
The transition from youth football to the senior game has proven to be a massive challenge for Azeez so far and time is starting to run out for him to make the step up, at least as far as his Arsenal career is concerned.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Thanks for your articles this season Jeorge.
A question if I may; what has happened to Karl Hein? He hasn’t been in a youth matchday squad in months (since the 2-7 defeat to PSV).
Supposedly not injured as he played twice for Estonia six weeks ago.
I heard he travels to away games with the senior squad, perhaps just a case of protecting our 3rd choice keeper?
He had a slight injury but since then he’s been the third choice goalkeeper for the first team, which isn’t ideal as it means that he doesn’t play at any level.
One to keep an eye on in the summer with Okwonko returning.
Perhaps next season Hein goes out on loan with Okwonko #3?
Have a great summer.
I wonder if after an outstanding season that as with Patino the club might cash-in with Okonkwo’s value being so hot?
Competition is too high and results and paramount & fans will become impatient next year. So I think we should follow chelski model of managing youngsters – the capitalist way.
Doesn’t look good for him, does it?
I guess if we are looking at Patino and Azeez leaving there must be some faith in the next crop of midfielders coming through the academy?
Yea; just like the faith in “the next crop of midfielders” some seasons ago. Incidentally, those midfielders are Patino and Azeez.
I suppose you can’t get a Saka or a Wilshere every year. Although a Ray Parlour a year would be fantastic…
Can also add Matt Smith to the list of potential midfield departures.
I think that the youngsters who are likely to break through and into the Arsenal senior squad with a realistic chance of playing are going to have to be a bit special, either that or they’ll arrive on the scene when there’s a gap in the squad. Man City are bringing through some pretty good kids atm and Guardiola has shown real confidence in using them but the Man City youngsters beat the Arsenal youngsters 9-1 in aggregate over two games, which maybe shows where our U21’s currently are. Our U18’s knocked Man City out of the FAYouth Cup so… Read more »
Valid
9-0 on aggregate
It has been reported that Charlie Patino is mostly likely leaving Arsenal at the end of the season. If Patino cannot continue here I don’t think Azeez or any of the other midfielders can.
He was absolutely great until the haircut.
we can’t simply allow Patino to walk no strings attached – clauses must be inserted, options must be retained
he’s going to be a great PL footballer i’m sure, and we need to have him back before he’s 25
Azeez doesn’t seem suited to fast, hard leagues – maybe he can carve a B-career in Turkey or Greece or Portugal or some shit