Alex Iwobi has been explaining why he swapped Arsenal for Everton on the final day of the summer transfer window, and some Gunners fans have hit back.
The Nigeria international completed a move to the Toffees for a fee worth £34 million, according to Metro, and has since discussed just why he opted to move from North London to Goodison Park.
Iwobi said:
The offer was too attractive for me to turn down. The manager [Marco Silva] was telling me: ‘There is a spot for you, we will take care of you’. Basically, all the things you want to hear as a player.
He has given me the confidence I will do well. I am ready for a new challenge and chapter in my life.
I always had that youngster tag at Arsenal, so hopefully, with this move, I am able to make a name for myself in the Premier League and create history with Everton.
In response to their former winger, these Arsenal fans have hit back at his ‘youngster’ comments, suggesting he has never shaken off the apparent tag because he never displayed enough quality…
Twitter: @arseblognews no end product, off you go (@OneGrryAdams)
Twitter: @arseblognews Good premier league player, not good enough for The Arsenal unfortunately. (@SheikOfme)
Twitter: @arseblognews He always had that tag because he never developed from being a youngster
(@AaronCartwright)
Twitter: @arseblognews I mean, he did have a youngsters playing style? Kinda need to get that decision making nailed down. (@OllieRodwell)
Read Arsenal’s verdict
Iwobi served Arsenal well, but never really lived up to expectations. He had a solid season under Unai Emery but was hardly a standout performer, and the apparent £34 million fee that the Gunners have received seems more than reasonable.
He still has the makings of a good player, but we have seen little evidence to suggest that he has what it takes to become a top player. A move to Everton suits him, and he will be operating at a level more suited to his skill-set.
Arsenal have Reiss Nelson coming through the ranks, who arguably has a higher ceiling than Iwobi. Meanwhile, Nicolas Pepe will be keen to make his mark in the Premier League.
In truth, the ‘youngster tag’ had nothing to do with Iwobi’s shortcomings at Arsenal, really. He simply failed to develop consistency, and as such, has been forced to take a step down.
