Azeez and two other U21 youngsters of Nigerian descent facing uncertain few weeks ahead :: All Nigeria Soccer

The summer transfer window is certainly one of the most exciting times for fans as it is a time when key squad problems are addressed with the arrival and departure of new players.

On the other hand, it is a nightmarish time for other players who realize that they are on the fringes and could be forced to transfer.

Youngsters are one of those who benefit greatly from the summer transfer window as it gives them a clearer picture of where they stand in the plans of the club and manager.

As the 2022 summer window draws closer, allnigeriasoccer.com discusses three Nigerian youngsters including a Chelsea midfielder, Arsenal prospect and Aston Villa starlet that are facing an uncertain few weeks ahead.

Miguel Azeez (Arsenal)

Arsenal has been linked with numerous midfielders like Youri Tielemans, Fabian Ruiz and Houssem Aouar. With Mohamed Elneny signing a new contract, Thomas Partey returning from injury next season and Albert Sambi Lokonga improving, Azeez’s pathway into the first-team looks much harder to crack.

Truly, Arsenal is now back in Europe, which means they will need more options to rotate throughout the season but Azeez’s playing time will be severely limited which is not ideal for the development of such a promising talent.

So herein the dilemma lies, will he be sold? Kept? Loaned out again or put in the U23s?

Faustino Anjorin (Chelsea)

With Chelsea gearing up to start life under new management, nothing is certain anymore, at least for now.

If it were to be during the Abramovich era, it is nearly certain that Anjorin would go on another loan after returning from Huddersfield.

It’s uncertain which direction will the new management go. Will youth be more trusted? Or will established players be the priority?

Connor Gallagher certainly makes it harder for Anjorin to crack the first team.

He had an outstanding season on loan with Crystal Palace in the Premier League. He’s a pressing monster which is what Thomas Tuchel loves. The odds of him being retained ahead of Anjorin are higher.

Carney Chukwuemeka (Aston Villa)

The Aston Villa midfielder played a total of fourteen games last season, 12 of them came in the Premier League.

This is good enough for an 18-year-old’s development but Aston Villa has certainly raised the bar higher. They have signed Philippe Coutinho permanently and have signed Boubacar Kamara to shore up the midfield.

This makes it harder for Chukwuemeka to get into the midfield as the likes of Douglas Luiz and John Mcginn will most certainly not sit on the bench.

Should the Nigerian be satisfied with severely limited game-time next season? Or should he push for a loan or permanent move where he will play more?

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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