Arsenal manager Unai Emery has reaffirmed fans that Alex Iwobi will be signing a new deal at the club amid interest from Lazio
As reported by Goal, Unai Emery has confirmed the possibility of Nigerian star, Alex Iwobi signing a new long-term deal with Arsenal imminently.
The summer arrival of Unai Emery as their new manager, coupled with other recruitment of backroom staff such as Sven Mislintat have seen Arsenal make some much needed improvements to the squad. In what has been a busy summer so far, the Gunners have already recruited five players heading into the pre-season tour.
With the transfer business now looking more or less wrapped up, Emery is now focusing on trimming his squad before the new season begins. While a few players might leave Arsenal come the end of the transfer window, some are primed to stay and prolong their careers at the club. One player in the latter category seems to be Alex Iwobi.
Iwobi has endured a somewhat frustrating time since his senior Arsenal debut in 2015, and has often faced criticism for his lacklustre displays. But, Emery feels Arsenal could make do with the Nigerian’s services for the future.
In recent weeks, there has been speculation linking Iwobi with a move away from the club, with Lazio linked reportedly the front runners for his signature. But, the rumours have been put to bed with Emery confirming a new deal for the player offered by the Gunners.
Iwobi’s current Arsenal deal expires in 2020. But, he is now set to sign a new four-year deal to prolong his stay till the summer of 2022, with Emery confirming the same in a press conference in Singapore. “I have the information – he’s near,” said the Arsenal manager on a potential new deal for the Nigerian.
With his renewal, Iwobi will also somewhat solve the Gunners’ need for a winger. The sales of Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez, and even Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, has deprived Arsenal of natural wingers. Iwobi has shown his prowess as a ball carrier for the North Londoners, and will thus, be a key figure upon his renewal at the Emirates.
Emery seems to have a clear plan in place up until now, and the imminent agreement with Iwobi over a renewal is another sign of the same. Arsenal fans will now hope that the manager is able to translate this into results on the field as well as the Gunners look to return to the top echelons of English football.
