Arsenal and Alex Iwobi: Unfortunately, right to sell

Alex Iwobi’s deadline day move to Everton caught many, including myself, by surprise. But while he had more to offer, Arsenal were right to sell.

While Alex Iwobi’s departure from Arsenal has been discussed ad nauseam, but I wanted to say a few things about the situation.

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It is fair to say that Iwobi divided opinion. I will admit to being a fan of his. I am firm in my belief that he was misunderstood and a victim of poor planning and decision-making. Nonetheless, I have previously proclaimed that wingers in the modern game — especially those who play for big clubs — must be more than merely providers or goalscorers. They must be able to do both. Iwobi had proven himself incapable of doing such things in recent years. His composure within the final third was often lacking.

His qualities were clear for all to see. He is strong in possession, works incredibly hard, has the necessary skill to beat a man in close quarters, and can carry the ball well into the final third. We have seen a few players (including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jeff Reine-Adélaïde) make the transition from a winger with little end product, to a ball-carrying, man- beating, central midfielder in recent years.

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When news first started circulating about Everton’s accepted offer, fans rationalized the decision by highlighting the promising wingers that we have within our squad (Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka), all of whom are capable of playing on the left-hand side (where Iwobi was often deployed).

Nonetheless, I thought it was pretty apparent that Alex Iwobi would be playing more centrally moving forward. He had impressed in such areas for Nigeria and had done so for Arsenal also. While I am not sure where Unai Emery thought Iwobi’s long-term position would be, I thought that a move inside was necessary.

However, when you look at the depth and talent that we have in central midfield, you can again understand why Arsenal decided to sell. Iwobi compared favourably to Joe Willock, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Emile Smith Rowe, all of whom I believe can play the box-to-box midfield role. Everyone mentioned has the necessary athleticism to fulfil such a demanding role and the ability to avoid pressure, carry the ball, and spark attacks.

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I ultimately believe that Arsenal were right to sell Alex Iwobi for the price that they did. I have long called for Arsenal to be more ruthless, and it is fair to say that Raul Sanllehi worked the transfer market masterfully, and Arsenal are in a better position because of it. Whether Alex Iwobi can prove his doubters wrong – and whether he is played in the right position to do so – remains to be seen, but I wish him nothing but the best.

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