After a series of compelling performances in the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League, Arsenal have decided to reward Alex Iwobi with a contract extension until 2021 – his original deal was set to end in 2019.
The 19-year-old will also be receiving a bumper pay rise according to the Mirror Online, tripling his salary to £30,000 a week as Arsene Wenger looks to lock down the Nigerian prospect for the foreseeable future. After appearing in the Capital One Cup earlier in the season, it was clear he was part of Wenger’s plans for the rest of the campaign. This proved true, as he filled the coveted no.10 role in the FA Cup 3rd, 4th and 5th round, impressing with his ability to find space and run at players. Interestingly enough, Iwobi was not on the top of the list of academy players most likely to break through – and those who were, like Chuba Akpom, are out on loan, giving Iwobi the chance to display his talent.
After a dire run of two wins in nine games, Iwobi was put into the side ahead of Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell against Barcelona at the Nou Camp – his first real test, which he passed with flying colours. He has since started the last two league games for Arsenal, scoring in both.
He was also rewarded by the Nigerian manager with his first competitive cap – having played for England at schoolboy level, Wenger commented that the FA’s negligence will be a decision they will regret.
