One of the more surprising moves of the Premier League transfer deadline day was Nigerian international Alex Iwobi’s big-money switch to Everton. The deal could cost the Toffees around £35million with add-ons.
The move suited everybody involved in the deal. Arsenal needed to recoup some of their outlay on Nicolas Pepe, Everton got the wide player they needed and Iwobi got a move that should see him play more regularly in the Premier League.
In terms of clubs, Iwobi could not have wished for a better move than Everton. The Toffees are highly ambitious and look to have the potential to push for a top-six spot in the Premier League in the near future.
Iwobi fitted into Everton’s transfer policy of buying younger players and developing them perfectly. At 23, Iwobi still has plenty of time to develop into a top player. He showed flashes of his ability during his Arsenal career.
🙌 | @alexiwobi's first Everton goal! 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/dXApAm6QzS— Everton (@Everton) August 29, 2019
🙌 | @alexiwobi's first Everton goal! 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/dXApAm6QzS
However, the fact that he struggled for first-team football with the Gunners no doubt failed to help his development.
Iwobi made his Toffees debut last Friday coming off the bench in a 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa. The winger produced a lively display, including hitting the post. Iwobi started Wednesday nights 4-2 League Cup win at Lincoln City, scoring the Toffees crucial third goal.
Marco Silva’s team have lacked an attacking spark in their opening three league games of the campaign. Both Iwobi and young striker Moise Kean produced vibrant displays against the League One side before being replaced.
If Iwobi plays regular first-team football at Everton, as expected, then he seems to have all the attributes to improve immensely on Merseyside. Often the scapegoat at Arsenal for poor performances, the move to the Toffees seems to have given him a fresh start. It is now up to him to prove he has what it takes to fulfil his big potential.