Miguel Azeez: Nigeria eligible Arsenal midfielder joins Wigan Athletic on loan

English Championship side Wigan Athletic has announced the signing of Premier League leaders Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez on loan for the rest of the season.

The Super Eagles-eligible central midfielder will be spending the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign with former Gunner, Kolo Toure, who is in charge at the Latics.

The 20-year-old spent the season so far on loan in Spain with UD Ibiza, but after making 11 appearances for the Segunda Division side he has been recalled from that stint and will join the Latics for the rest of the campaign.

Azeez has made just one first team appearance for the Gunners, coming on for a brief showing in a Europa League contest in 2020, but he has also been on the bench four times in the Premier League.

The Latics are battling relegation in the championship but Azeez is optimistic about inspiring their survival.

“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,” Azeez told the club website.

“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 Wigan Athletic coaches have a connection with Arsenal, with head coach Kolo Toure a key member of the ‘invincibles’ side that went undefeated in the Premier League in the 2003/04 season, while his assistant Kevin Betsy previously managed the Gunners development squad.

Following his switch, the promising lad, who will wear the number 20 jersey during his time at Wigan Athletic, opened up on why he jumped at the chance to play for the 2013 FA Cup winners.

“Firstly, it was the confidence I had in the manager (Toure) when he spoke to me. He wanted me to be a part of the team and help them (moving forward),” he explained.

“That coming from an Arsenal legend is such an honour, especially with myself being an Arsenal fan. Working with Kolo is going to be an honour.”