Alex Iwobi has revealed that Arsenal F.C. were open to selling him during the 2019 summer transfer window, despite reassurances from then-manager Unai Emery.
The Nigeria international eventually left Arsenal for Everton F.C. on transfer deadline day in August 2019 after progressing through the club’s famed Hale End Academy and spending four seasons with the senior team.
Now playing for Fulham F.C., Iwobi said he first learned about the move while on holiday following his participation in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Transfer decision came during holiday
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Iwobi explained that he had been granted extra time off after helping the Nigeria national football team secure a bronze medal at the tournament in Egypt.
“I was away at AFCON, I had a good tournament, and was given a two-week extra holiday by Unai Emery,” he said.
“I was in Dubai with my family, having a good time, but they signed Nicolas Pépé, who’s a great winger by the way.”
Iwobi admitted the signing of Pépé from Lille OSC made him question his role in the squad.
“Then I thought, if you really want me, why are you bringing in another winger?”
Everton move happened quickly
According to Iwobi, things moved rapidly once Everton showed interest in signing him.
“My agent told me Everton were interested, and I thought, ‘oh, that’s nice to hear,’” he explained.
“Marco Silva called me, and the next thing you know, Arsenal had already sent my medical documents to Everton. Before I even said yes or no, they made it clear they didn’t mind me going.”
He added that Everton quickly welcomed him once the deal was completed.
Emery later explained the decision
Iwobi also revealed that Emery later clarified the transfer was not solely his decision.
“He told me it wasn’t his decision, but the club’s decision,” Iwobi said.
“He said the club needed to sell a player, and the most money they could make was from my sale. He told me that’s what football is like.”
Despite the circumstances surrounding his exit, the midfielder said he still maintains a positive relationship with the former Arsenal boss.
Record-breaking Nigerian in the Premier League
Since leaving Arsenal, Iwobi has continued to establish himself in England’s top flight with Everton and now Fulham in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old has now made more than 300 Premier League appearances, the highest number recorded by a Nigerian player in the competition’s history.
Iwobi’s Fulham side were recently knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton F.C., but they will aim to bounce back when they face Nottingham Forest F.C. in their next league match. ⚽
