Alex Iwobi’s father has claimed that the Arsenal startlet would reject Barcelona should they come calling.
The Nigerian international has risen up the ranks at Arsenal having joined the club as a 6-year-old and has established himself as a key member of the first team.
The 20-year old only made his debut for Arsenal this season, but has been very impressive considering his age and experience and was nominated for the Golden Boy award earlier this season, eventually losing out to Bayern Munich’s Renato Sanches.
Wenger has also praised Iwobi, claiming he has what it takes to be Arsenal’s number 10, and legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson also singled out the youngster for praise earlier in the season.
Iwobi has naturally attracted interest given his rise to first team regular, but his father, Chuka Iwobi, says the youngster is focused solely on developing further at Arsenal :
“At this point in time, he is at the right place. He’s doing well at Arsenal, but should any club come for him now, the answer would certainly be no,” said Iwobi’s father, speaking to AfricanFootball.com
Iwobi Sr. also said that they were not concerned about making money, and that Iwobi’s development was the most important thing they had in mind, which is why even Barcelona would be turned down should they come calling :
“For him now, it’s not about the money. So, should a club like Barcelona come with more money, he will certainly stay back at Arsenal because now it is not about him making money, it’s about him concentrating on his career, progressing and going on to the next stage.”
Iwobi is already a full international with Nigeria, having chosen the African nation ahead of England. The youngster, who is the nephew of Jay-Jay Okocha, currently has 4 years remaining on his contract at Arsenal.
Iwobi will likely feature when Arsenal take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on 19th November.