Arsenal: There is no absolutely shame in selling Alex Iwobi

Arsenal haven’t been tied to too many sales, but Alex Iwobi is suddenly being linked to a move. There’s no shame in it. None whatsoever.

Arsenal have given Alex Iwobi so many chances to succeed. And in small bursts, he has. He has shown a ton of potential, a ton of unique ability that meshes strength with speed with creativity. But overall, the final product hasn’t been there.

He’s only 22 years old now, so it’s not like Iwobi is beyond hope. Far from it. There is still a good chance that he pans out into a talented player, just like we always expected.

However, that is precisely why considering a sale isn’t the worst idea. In fact, I think it should be openly discussed. Iwobi doesn’t have all that much to offer the current set-up, and reports are indicating that Lazio may be interested in snatching him up.

Given the questions still surrounding Iwobi, now is not a bad time to consider selling, especially if Emery is willing to let him leave. Potential doesn’t equate to modern day value, and as it stands, Iwobi is still majority potential.

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He hasn’t found his composure in front of goal and now we’re talking about modifying his entire playing style, down to the position he plays, just to make him a more relevant player.

We could do that. Or, we could sell him and let the next wave of young talent try their hand at being the influential play-maker that Iwobi was supposed to be.

The reports indicate that Lazo would be willing to pay about £20m, which is an interesting price. I see that as an incredibly fair price, but at the same time, unless we have to sell, we should be aiming for more than just fair.

Adding another chunk to that fee would make it feel more like a win and less like a concession.

The key to this sale, and judging it’s viability, can be found in one question. Would we miss Iwobi next year?

The answer is no, we wouldn’t. There’s a good chance that he has learned things and may impose himself on the first team early in the season, but are we willing to take that chance at the expense of a hefty transfer fee and a more reliable option?

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I don’t think so. If Lazio are serious, get a good deal going and make the sale.

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