Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi has admitted that he might have to leave the Emirates and go elsewhere if the Gunners end up signing Wilfried Zaha this summer.
If the Ivorian was to join the club, the chances of Iwobi playing would be reduced and the Nigerian is aware of that. Speaking to The Sun, Iwobi said:
‘I am not one to chicken out. But it’s going to be difficult if Zaha comes. He will add more stress. If it comes to that I would have no choice but to leave.’
‘But I would always put up a fight to play — that is what I have done all my life.’
The 23-year-old was part of the Nigerian team that crashed out of the African Cup of Nations at the semifinal stage will have a decision to make on his future if Zaha does end up at the Emirates.
He has been at the club since 2004 so it will be a little difficult for him to leave if he does choose to depart. But the fact is that the number of minutes that Iwobi will have will be less with the addition of new players.
And to make matters worse for the Nigerian, there seems to be a promotion in line for Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson who could play a big part in the upcoming season.
And when you have another exciting talent in the form of Bukayo Saka, the situation does start to look a little bleak for Iwobi. The winger has been impressive but there is a feeling that he should be doing better than what he is currently producing.
If the player was to leave, there is no doubt that there will be a lot of teams who are waiting to snap him up. He is a young and exciting player who has a lot of potential. The primary objective for the Gunners this season is to get back into the Champions League and for that the squad needs to be in the best possible condition.
If that means that Zaha arrives and Iwobi leaves, then the club should be bold and make a firm decision. Fans will be hoping that the club will be able to improve on their performance from the previous season. If that were to happen, it will certainly be a successful campaign for Unai Emery.
