By Amaechi Agbo

Was Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi sold to Everton based on recent report which quoted him that he would leave the club if the Londoners signed fellow African, Wilfred Zaha from Crystal Palace? Or was he sold because he had become “surplus” to requirements? In whichever way one views the situation, the fact remains that Alex Iwobi is no longer a Gunner after the club sold him to rivals Everton in a deadline day move believed to be £40 million.

The Arsenal Academy product made history as the most expensive Nigeria player ever but what many do not envisage is the implications of such hurried deal with Everton.

Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi was the subject of a £30 million bid from Everton but it was quickly rejected by his former club Arsenal who like Oliver Twist, demanded for more.

Reports suggest however, that the London Club would be willing to do business if Everton come with a improved offer of £40 million.

Everton’s move to sign the Arsenal product is a statement of intent from the Merseyside club and their desire to keep improving under Marco Silva.

Their efforts to sign Ivorian Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace were rebuffed after a £70 million proposal that included James McCarthy and Cenk Tosun earlier in the week fell on deaf ears.

The Nigerian had a good outing with the Super Eagles at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt playing 7 matches scoring one goal, leading the country to a bronze medal finish.

Iwobi is an incredible player with unbelievable skill and Arsenal quest to challenge for top honours in the new season which kicks off today would be jeopardised.

Although he has been sparingly used in matches, his impact in the club reaching the Europa League Final where they lost to rivals Chelsea cannot be underestimated.

At only 23, Iwobi has age on his side and can get better under the guidance of Unai Emery. Therefore, selling Iwobi would be a catastrophic mistake for the Gunners. At 23, Iwobi represent the future of Everton while at the same time an end to Arsenal new generation.