19 July 2023 , 07:04
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Barcelona are in talks to sign Arsenal starlet Miguel Azeez, who Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once tipped to become a "great player."
Azeez, 20, has only made one first-team appearance for Arsenal and spent last season on loan at second-tier Spanish side Ibiza before joining Wigan Athletic, who suffered relegation from the Championship. With the latter, the Camden-born midfielder of Nigerian and Spanish descent only managed to play twice in January before a controversial end to his spell at the DW Stadium.
But now Azeez could have a surprise exit route, having not been included in Mikel Arteta's squad for Arsenal's pre-season tour of the United States. According to Sport, Barcelona are keen to sign the Gunners academy graduate for their B team, who currently play in the Spanish third tier.
Despite still having one year left on his professional deal, Azeez is likely to arrive on a free transfer. Arsenal would then receive a significant portion of any future sale and if Aubameyang's prediction is anywhere near true, the Gunners will be in the money.
"One player who I think looks really good is Miguel Azeez," the former Arsenal striker and captain declared before leaving the Emirates in January 2022. "Miguel is going to be a great player in the future. He's really calm and mature so I'm sure he's got what you need to be a success and have a big career."
Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer
Should Azeez secure a move to Catalunya, the 20-year-old will be keen for it to go more smoothly than at Wigan. When the Latics faced Reading - the team who Azeez's older brother, Femi, plays for - in April just as their relegation to League One was confirmed, he was at the heart of a controversial incident involving Wigan boss Shaun Maloney.
After the full-time whistle, Maloney walked onto the pitch to console his players and thanks the side's travelling supporters before Femi approached him. Wigan Today claim that a colourful exchange ensued and another person, believed to be the Azeez brothers' father, was heard shouting towards Maloney.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made a lofty prediction (MOTDX)The crux of the matter was Miguel's lack of game-time since the Latics manager replaced Kolo Toure in the dugout, an issue which Femi had spoke about in the lead-up to the match. "He hasn't really had an easy time there," the Reading forward explained.
"He started with Kolo Toure and the new manager came in and hasn’t really trusted him, which has been disappointing. Hopefully he plays, but if it doesn't happen then it is what it is."
It's added in the report that Miguel had been the subject of disciplinary action during his time with Wigan, being sent to the academy for a fortnight after showing disrespect to one member of coaching staff. Azeez is also claimed to have been sent back to Arsenal from both Portsmouth midway through the 2021-22 campaign and Ibiza last term.
Perhaps Barcelona can help him turn over a new page.