Everton has confirmed the signing of Alex Iwobi, a 23-year-old Nigerian striker, on a five-year deal from Arsenal. The transfer, estimated to be around £40 million, was completed on the final day of the summer transfer window.
According to a statement by the Toffees, Iwobi's arrival at Goodison Park was facilitated by the departure of Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace, who Everton had been trying to sign.
With this move, Iwobi becomes the seventh arrival in a busy summer transfer window for Everton. The Super Eagles striker is now the most expensive Nigerian player, having left Arsenal after the arrival of Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe from Lille.
As reported by TUKO.co.ke earlier, David Luiz sealed a sensational move to Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea on transfer deadline day. The Brazilian centre back will join new signing Kieran Tierney and is expected to bolster Arsenal's porous defence ahead of the new season.
On his departure from Arsenal, Unai Emery, the Gunners' manager, expressed his gratitude to Iwobi, saying, ''Alex has made a big contribution here at Arsenal. He worked hard in the academy where he was an example to many young players and has been an important part of our squad. We wish Alex every success in the future.''
Iwobi, who is the nephew of Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha, joined Arsenal while still at primary school in 2004 and will be the second team ever in his career to play for. He was part of the Super Eagles squad that won a bronze medal at the 2019 African Cup of Nations, beating Tunisia in the third-place match.
