Alex Iwobi has revealed that Arsenal made it clear they were willing to sell him during the 2019 summer transfer window despite assurances from then manager Unai Emery.
The Nigeria international left Arsenal for Everton on deadline day in August 2019 after progressing through the club’s Hale End academy and spending four seasons with the senior team.
Iwobi, now a midfielder at Fulham, said he learned about the move while on holiday after representing Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Transfer decision came while on holiday
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Iwobi explained that he had been given extra time off after helping Nigeria national football team secure a bronze medal at the tournament in Egypt.
“I was away at the AFCON, I had a good tournament, and was given a two week extra holiday by Unai Emery,” Iwobi said.
“I was in Dubai with my family, having a good time, but they signed Nicolas Pepe who’s a great winger by the way.”
The signing of Pepe from Lille made Iwobi question his place in the squad.
“Then I thought, if you really want me, why are you bringing in another winger?”
Everton move arranged quickly
Iwobi said the situation escalated quickly once interest arrived from Everton.
“My agent told me Everton were interested, and I thought, ‘oh, that’s nice to hear’,” he said.
“Marco Silva called me, and the next thing you know, Arsenal had sent my medical documents to Everton, and before I said yes or no, they made it clear they didn’t mind me going.”
He added that Everton immediately welcomed him to the club after the transfer was completed.
Emery explained club’s financial decision
Iwobi also revealed that Emery later told him the decision to sell was not his alone.
“He told me it wasn’t his decision, but was 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 departure, Iwobi said he still maintains a good relationship with the former Arsenal manager.
Iwobi sets Nigerian Premier League record
Since leaving Arsenal, Iwobi has built a long career in England’s top flight with Everton and Fulham.
The 29-year-old has now played more than 300 Premier League matches, the highest total recorded by a Nigerian player in the competition.
Iwobi’s Fulham crashed out of the FA Cup against Southampton on Sunday, but will look to turn their fortunes around when they visit Nottingham Forest in the Premier League next.