Arsenal are in the final stages of discussions to offload their young midfielder, Miguel Azeez, to Spanish third-tier side Atletico Baleares according to James Benge.

This move marks a significant shift for Azeez, once hailed as one of the brightest talents from the Hale End academy, whose career progression has been hindered by less-than-fruitful loan spells.

Azeez’s journey from Arsenal prodigy to uncertain future

Azeez’s journey has seen him move from being a highly touted prospect at Arsenal to facing an uncertain future, with loan stints at Portsmouth, UD Ibiza, and most recently, Wigan Athletic, where his lack of game time led to a public dispute between his father and Wigan’s manager Shaun Maloney.

This dispute, coupled with Wigan’s relegation from the Championship following a 1-1 draw with Reading, underscored the challenges Azeez has faced in finding his footing in competitive football.

Arsenal’s strategy on youth development

The midfielder’s potential transfer to Atletico Baleares comes as Arsenal looks to streamline its youth development strategy according to Benge, moving away from the cycle of loans in favour of securing permanent moves for players unlikely to break into the first team.

This approach aims to provide these young talents with a stable environment to develop, while also including clauses in transfer deals such as sell-on fees, matching rights, and appearance add-ons, ensuring Arsenal could benefit financially from the player’s future success.

The fresh start Azeez needs

Azeez’s impending move to Atletico Baleares, should it be completed before the deadline, could provide the fresh start he needs. After a series of loans that did not pan out as hoped, a permanent transfer offers him the chance to reset his career path and tap into the potential that made him a standout at Hale End.

With his contract at Arsenal set to expire this summer, the timing might just be right for Azeez to embark on a new chapter in Spain, away from the pressures and expectations that come with being labelled a future star at a major Premier League club.