Arsenal academy product joins Wigan Athletic on loan

Arsenal youngster Miguel Azeez has joined Wigan Athletic on loan until the end of the season, the club have confirmed. The move to the DW Stadium will be his third loan spell away from the Gunners.

Azeez joined Arsenal’s academy in 2008 before making his senior debut in a 4-2 win over Dundalk in the Europa League two years ago, however has failed to make a single appearance since. As well as impressing for the youth teams, the midfielder made six appearances whilst on loan at Portsmouth last season and has spent the first half of the current campaign with UD Ibiza where he has made 10 appearances in the Spanish second division. However, Azeez failed to play a single minute of their previous three matches before his season-long loan was terminated early.

The 20-year-old will now link up with former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure and will be reunited with ex-Arsenal Under-23s head coach Kevin Betsy in the Championship. Speaking to Wigan Athletic, Azeez said: I’m really happy to be here.

“It’s a real honour, and I thank both Wigan and Arsenal for getting this deal over the line. I’m looking forward to playing and helping the team. It’s a big step up, and I’m ready to give my all for the team and the fans, and prove myself. I’ve been at Arsenal since the age of five, and I’ve learned a lot throughout the years, playing with different coaches and players. They’ve treated me really well and now I’m looking for experience to hopefully grow as a person and player.”

The Latics currently sit glued to the bottom of the Championship table after picking up only six wins in 26 matches this season. Toure has so far failed to impress after he was appointed as Leam Richardson’s replacement in November as he still awaits his first win as manager after suffering four defeats and three successive 4-1 losses.