Martinez keen to extend Miyaichi stay

Miyaichi has made just seven appearances since making the move from parent-club Arsenal at the beginning of this campaign.

And the 20-year-old's season may already be over as he faces surgery to repair ligament damage to an ankle he injured during last weekend's shock 3-0 FA Cup success at Everton.

But Wigan manager Martinez remains a big fan.

"We will have to speak with Arsenal and we need to assess and make sure they are happy with the progression of the player," said the Latics boss.

"Ryo is a footballer that we really admire and has an incredible future in front of him so if we could work with him for a longer period we would be very happy to do that."

Miyaichi joined the Gunners as a teenager in January 2011 but was immediately loaned out to Feyenoord for the rest of that season.

He made two League Cup appearances for Arsenal in the following campaign before being loaned to Bolton for the second half of 2011/2012.

And the Japan international, who has two caps to his name, was again sent out on loan at the start of this season.