30 April 2023 , 13:33
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Arsenal loanee Miguel Azeez’s dad was involved in an unsavoury showdown with Wigan boss Shaun Maloney as frustrations over the midfielder’s game time boiled over amid the club's relegation to League One.
The Latics were denied victory against Reading on Saturday with Yakou Meite’s 93rd-minute strike condemning the side to yet another demotion to the third tier of English football. Charlie Hughes had actually given Wigan the lead at the Madejski but only a win was enough to keep them up.
Arsenal starlet Azeez was left out of the squad for the game for Wigan, with brother Femi only coming on as a second-half substitute for Reading. And Wigan's decision did not appear to go down particularly well with the Azeez family.
As per reports in the Daily Record, the former midfielder was approached by Femi and his father regarding Miguel’s game time this season. It was suggested that the trio had a huge argument in the centre circle regarding the youngster's lack of opportunities.
Speaking ahead of the match, the pair’s Dad said: "Miguel hasn’t really had an easy time there [Wigan]. He started with Kolo Toure and the new manager came in and hasn’t really trusted him, which has been disappointing."
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Azeez, 20, initially joined Wigan on-loan in January but has made just two appearances for the Latics. Speaking after penning his loan deal, he said: "I’m really happy to be here.
Shaun Maloney was at the heart of the argument over Miguel Azeez's game time (Getty Images)Who do you think is Arsenal's most exciting academy graduate? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“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.”
The disagreement is just the latest chapter in what has been a woeful season for Azeez across two loan spells. The young midfielder was initially sent out on-loan to Spanish side UD Ibiza but made just 11 appearances before being recalled to North London by Mikel Arteta.
He was then very quickly sent to Wigan but picked up a one-match FA ban on his debut after picking up a flare in the midst of celebrating a late equaliser against Cardiff. He previously had a short loan spell with Portsmouth last term, making ten appearances and scoring a solitary goal.
Azeez has made one senior appearance for the Gunners as he was introduced as a late substitute in a Europa League victory over Dundalk back in 2020.
It remains to be seen if he has a long-term future at the Emirates Stadium with doubt over his current contract. He signed a new contract back in 2019, a deal that was set to run for three years.
However, there was an option to extend that by a further two seasons, an option that the Gunners appear to have activated.