'It was a nudge' — Iwobi opens up on Arsenal exit

Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has lifted the lid on the circumstances surrounding his departure from Arsenal in 2019.

Iwobi, 26, joined the Gunners academy at a tender age in 2004 and passed through the ranks till finally breaking through the first team eleven years later under Arsene Wenger in 2015.

The attacking midfielder went ahead to make 149 appearances for the Gunners after his first-team debut against Sheffield Wednesday in October 2015, scoring 15 goals and providing 25 assists.

Many expected Iwobi to continue his growth under Spanish manager Unai Emery who succeeded the Veteran French coach at the Emirates Stadium.

Contrary to expectations, the former Sevilla boss sold the Nigerian international to Everton after one season in charge.

Describing the circumstances surrounding his exit, Iwobi explained that he was gently forced out of the London club.

“My last game was the Europa League final and he [Emery] said to me, “It’s a shame I didn’t start you, I want you here next season”,’ Iwobi said on The Beautiful Game podcast.

“So then, from the first day to the last day, Everton pushed and pushed and pushed. And Arsenal just signed a new winger [Nicolas Pepe]… and there were a few players that were still there, they weren’t ready to [leave].

‘[Arsenal] said, “We’ve received a bid for you, it’s a high bid, we’re not going to get this money from anywhere else”.

‘It was a nudge, “it’s a winger as well, that’s probably going to play in your position. It’s up to you”.

Iwobi added that he joined the Toffees because he rated Everton as a top club where he can take on a new challenge.

‘They’ve given me that, and Everton’s a club that’s also a very big club that wants me. I want a new challenge, so why not pursue it?’

Iwobi has managed 7 goals and 7 assists since joining the Merseyside club.

WDN