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Topics: Arsenal, Everton, Alex Iwobi, Frank Lampard, Premier League
Ryan Smart
Topics: Arsenal, Everton, Alex Iwobi, Frank Lampard, Premier League
Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi has been offered a new five-year contract to stay at Everton, according to reports.
Iwobi joined the Toffees, then under the management of Marco Silva, for an initial fee of £28 million in the summer of 2019.
The Nigeria international made almost 150 appearances for the Gunners before moving on, having graduated from the club's youth academy.
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He made his first-team debut for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger in 2015, at the age of 19.
Over the next few seasons, Iwobi would become a regular starter under Wenger and Unai Emery. He also started the Europa League final in 2019, scoring as Arsenal lost 4-1 to Chelsea.
That would prove to be his last competitive appearance for the club, as he joined Everton in August of that year.
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It took time for Iwobi to fully settle into a rhythm at Goodison Park, but he is one of the players that has starred under the management of Frank Lampard.
He has moved into a central midfield position, rather than playing out wide, and is now an undisputed starter on the Toffees teamsheet.
Earlier in October, Lampard called him 'one of the best' midfielders in the Premier League currently.
And Everton want to reward Iwobi's superb form with a new contract.
Given the 26-year-old's superb start to the season, he has naturally piqued the interest of other clubs.
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As per AllNigeriaSoccer.com, Everton have offered Iwobi a new five-year deal, with terms still be to agreed. If Iwobi stays, therefore, he could remain at Goodison Park until 2027, when he would be 31.
This follows a report from The Athletic in September, where David Ornstein claimed that the Toffees were holding 'preliminary' talks over a new contract.
Should Iwobi agree to remain on Merseyside, it would represent an important coup for Lampard and his side.
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The 26-year-old has five Premier League assists to his name, with Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne (nine) the only player to record more this term.
He has played a big role in Everton's ascent away from the relegation zone in recent weeks.
The side now sit three points above the bottom three. An in-form Iwobi should help them stay away from there.