Everton manager praises ‘fantastic’ Alex Iwobi

Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi completed his move from Arsenal to Everton on a five-year deal on English transfer deadline day and he has drawn praises from manager Marco Silva.

https://www.twitter.com/Everton/status/1159558667366281224

The 23-year-old, who joined for a fee that could rise to £34m, scored 15 goals in 149 games for the Gunners after coming through their academy.

The Nigeria international is Marco Silva’s seventh summer signing.

Everton have made seven signings this summer:

Alex Iwobi – £35m
Moise Kean – £27.5m
Jean-Philippe Gbamin – £25m
Andre Gomes – £22m
Fabian Delph – £10m
Jonas Lossl – Free
Djibril Sidibe – Loan

Approx. £120m spent.

Strong contenders for #PL top 6. pic.twitter.com/i0rEe37m4k

— Ayodeji Ayodeji (@AyodejiX2) August 8, 2019

“Alex was one of our main targets for this window and I believe he is a fantastic signing. He is a direct and skilful winger and attacking midfielder who always works very hard,” the Everton manager said.

“He is still young but already with a lot of top-level experience – 100 Premier League matches, more in Europe and many international games.

“Alex fits exactly the profile of player I want. He is hungry to join Everton and take the next step in his career, to help us compete with the strongest teams in the league and reach his potential at our club.”

The Everton gaffer adds Iwobi to a team of new recruits including goalkeeper Jonas Lossl, defender Djibril Sidibe, midfielders Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin, and striker Moise Kean.

Iwobi was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that earned bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. He also featured regularly last season under manager Unai Emery, appearing in all but three Premier League games.

The former England youth international also scored in the Europa League final defeat by Chelsea in what was his last appearance for the club.