Alex Iwobi’s exit from Arsenal came as a surprise to many. The Nigerian attacker, who had been their most-reliable winger the previous season, left the club on deadline day in what was a shock to many.
Some were happy with this business, as his transfer to Everton racked in $47M after a huge spending spree. However, one man who was not happy to see the 23-year-old be shipped out is Nwankwo Kanu.
The Gunners icon, ranked as the club’s 13th all-time greatest player, wasn’t pleased with the sale of his countryman. A fellow Nigerian, Kane argues that the north London giants should have kept Iwobi as he is an Arsenal boy who knows what it means to don their famous red and white jersey.
“I would say they made a mistake, 100 percent. Why they let him go, I don’t know,” the 43-year-old told Goal.
“He’s a boy who, in and out, is Arsenal.
“He always wanted to do his best for the club. He loves the club, but not only that he can play football.
“What he brings week in, week out, the fans need to appreciate that.”
While Iwobi did garner criticism for his lack of finishing, he was also hailed for his dribbling, pace, and width in which Emery’s men struggled due to a lack of natural wingers.
He finished the 2018/19 Premier League season with six assists, a tally bettered by only Lacazette with eight assists. However, it should be pointed out that the Frenchman made five more starts than the Super Eagles talent.
Kanu added: “I think he is still young and those are the type of people you want in the team, people who grew up here, who knows everything about the club and wants to die for the club.
“He was one of them, so for us to lose him and to let him go, was a shock. I couldn’t really believe we did it, but that’s football."
Mkhitaryan would soon follow Iwobi out the Emirates Stadium, joining Roma in Serie A. This means Emery could be short on numbers on the flanks should Pepe or Aubameyang pick up a knock.
