Everton have confirmed the last-minute signing of Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi on a five-year deal, with the club and the Nigerian agreeing on personal terms.
Rising through the young ranks of Arsenal and joining the first team squad four years ago, Iwobi has scored 15 goals and 27 assists for the Gunners, playing a total of 149 times.
The Merseyside club released a statement on their website announcing Iwobi's arrival: "Alex Iwobi has signed for Everton from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee after agreeing a five-year deal until the end of June 2024."
Everton boss Marco Silva said that Iwobi has been one of the club's main targets for this window and that he is a "fantastic signing" for Everton. Silva commends Iwobi for working hard as an attacking midfielder and skillful winger.
"He is still young but already with a lot of top-level experience - 100 Premier League matches, more in Europe and many international games," Silva said. He then revealed that Iwobi would be added alongside Theo Walcott, Bernard, and Richarlison.
Everton views Iwobi as a player who fits the profile of Silva's model. The young forward has been reportedly keen on joining Everton and take his career to the next level, helping the club compete with the strongest teams in the league and reach his potential at the club.
Later in the transfer window, Everton turned to Iwobi after a frustrating deal with involving Zaha. Silva was bent on injecting more pace into his attack this summer, but Palace and Everton could not reach an agreement in their valuation of the Ivory Coast player.
Palace had reportedly declined a £52 million bid from Everton last month. Zaha's pursuers later said in a statement that the rejected offer was "the end of the matter." But Everton had not lost their interest, and continued talks regarding a better offer during negotiations over James McCarthy's move to Selhurst Park for £3 million.
At 23 years old, Iwobi has 36 caps for Nigeria, scoring six times, and was integral to the Super Eagles' impressive showing at this summer's Africa Cup of Nations, scoring the all-important winner in a thrilling last 16 clash against previous holders Cameroon.
Following the rejection of the £30 million bid by the Toffees on Wednesday, they made another offer of between £35 million and £40 million on deadline day, eventually receiving the approval of the north London club.
