Is it time for Nigeria-eligible midfielder to leave Arsenal permanently or on loan?

Footballers from all over the world have a chance to make decisions for themselves during the transfer window. This is a critical juncture in the careers of young players who are close to making it to the first team of their respective clubs.

One of such youngsters who have arrived at a critical stage is Nigeria-eligible midfielder Miguel Azeez. The 19-year-old is an exciting prospect at Arsenal and while there is speculation that the youngster may be leaving on loan with Spanish clubs interested in his services.

Since transfer moves are decided by both the decisions of the club and player, should Azeez push for a loan or permanent move from Arsenal? Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at the situation to arrive at a verdict on which decision the midfielder should take.

Game time is a critical component in a young and talented player's development. In the coming season, how much playing time can Azeez expect to get with the first team?

The central midfielder is a control freak who is already mastering the art of dictating the midfield tempo despite his tender years.

Azeez is quite tidy and forward-thinking with the ball at his feet but he needs to work more on his positioning to combat counter-attacks effectively.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal now plays a Juego De Posición tactical set-up which focuses on precise build-up play at the back. The central midfielders are expected to be highly oriented in possession and also be able to progress play in the third phase of the pitch effectively.

Arsenal have Fabio Vieira, Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka and Emile Smith Rowe as the progressors from midfield, however, Smith Rowe has mainly been deployed from the flanks which means Vieira, Xhaka and Odegaard still need adequate depth.

One would think that Azeez has a better chance of cracking it to the first team and playing in cup and Europa group matches. However, a move for Lucas Paqueta or Youri Tielemans by the Gunners would further affect his chances.

It is clear that these players can lock down the midfield position for the next 7-8 years with the oldest among them being Granit Xhaka at 29 followed by Tielemans at 25.

As good as loans are, they can become a nightmare for a youngster as there is no settling and continuity. Azeez is still young and can still wait for three or four years before agitating for game-time.

However, he needs to be sure that there is a path to the first team in the future before heading out on loan.

Allnigeriasoccer.com thinks he may need to go for one more loan to improve himself and access his options before pushing for a permanent move especially if there is no path for him into the first team.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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