Alex Iwobi was a regular feature for Arsenal last summer and it had been predicted that he would play consistently this season.
But to everyone’s surprise, the Nigeria international chose to join Everton FC permanently this summer transfer window.
Alex Iwobi had played in 35 Premier League games for the Gunners last season featuring mostly down the wings but he eventually wanted to play in central midfield which is why he opted to join the Toffees.
And speaking after the transfer, Everton manager Marco Silva claimed that they had been keeping tabs on Alex Iwobi for quite some time.
“Alex was one of our main targets for this window and I believe he is a fantastic signing for Everton,” Silva explained.
“He is a direct and skilful winger and attacking midfielder who always works very hard for his team. He is still young but already with a lot of top-level experience – 100 Premier League matches, more in Europe and many international games.
“It was important for me to have one more quality option for our attacking positions to add to what we have with Richarlison, Bernard and Theo Walcott.
“Alex fits exactly the profile of player I want in my model. He is hungry to join Everton and take the next step in his career, to help us compete with the strongest teams in the league and reach his potential at our club.”
And now Alex Iwobi has himself revealed he did not give a second thought when the Merseyside outfit came calling.
“I spoke to the manager and Marcel and they almost lured me in,” Iwobi told evertontv(according to TEAMtalk).
“The offer was too attractive for me to turn down. The manager was telling me, ‘There is a spot for you, we will take care of you’. Basically, all the things you want to hear as a player.
“I always had that youngster tag at Arsenal, so hopefully with this move, I am able to make a name for myself in the Premier League and create history with Everton.
“It is exciting times for Everton. I was able to look at the transfers and players they have brought in – some great talent. It is not just me.
“There were quality players here before [the summer] and they are still here. The manager has worked with Richarlison for a long while and made a name for him.
“Hopefully he can do the same for not just me but Moise Kean and a few others who came in, too.”
