Anglo-Nigerian central midfielder Miguel Azeez has sent a message to Arsenal, saying he wants to play first team football next season, even if it means leaving the Emirates Stadium outfit.

The England youth international spent the first half of the season at Portsmouth but had to be recalled in the January transfer window due to a lack of game time, having made just six starts in all competitions.

Azeez has been on the books of the Gunners since the age of five, rising through the academy ranks before making his senior debut off the bench in a Europa League match with Dundalk in December 2020 - his only first team appearance to date for the London club.

"I want to play the full season in men’s football, wherever that is," Azeez said to Football. London.

"Whether that’s here, or someone else, it is what it is, but that’s the main goal for me."

Azeez has been a regular in Arsenal first team training and was a non-playing substitute in four consecutive Premier League matches last month.

Upon his return from Portsmouth, the 19-year-old featured for Arsenal's development squad in the Premier League 2 to keep up his match fitness.

"Learning from those top quality players, top quality managers and staff. So it’s been a really good experience learning from them every single day and try to take some of the stuff from over there back to the 23s.

"It’s important for being a leader and they have a lot of leaders in that team, so it’s good to add that to my game," he added.

Azeez signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in September 2019.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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