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Arsenal reportedly reject Everton’s surprise bid for Alex Iwobi

Theo Walcott of Everton is challenged by Alex Iwobi of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park o...
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Everton look to have found an alternative to Wilfried Zaha in Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi but the initial bid hasn’t quite gone their way.

Alexander Chuka Iwobi of Nigeria     during the 2019 African Cup of Nations match between Algeria and Nigeria at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on July 14,2019.

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Arsenal have rejected a £30million offer from Everton for their Nigerian winger Alex Iwobi in the last few hours.

The Toffees have been struggling to get a bid for Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha over the line and the latest report suggests that they could well have found an alternative. Iwobi, who was an integral part of Arsenal’s side last season, could well see his role reduced after the arrival of Nicolas Pepe from Lille earlier in this window.

The 23-year-old, related to former Premier League star Jay-Jay Okacha, is extremely similar to Zaha in terms of movement and skill on the ball in forward areas. Iwobi will no doubt be considerably cheaper than the Ivorian this summer, but would Arsenal let him go?

Unai Emery made Iwobi an important part of Arsenal’s system last years where his driving runs down the left flank with Sead Kolasinac was one of the team’s major attacking outlets. Iwobi played 51 games in all competitions and was directly involved in 15 goals.

Arsenal player Alex Iwobi in action during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park on April 07, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

With Nicolas Pepe now a certain starter, Iwobi could lose out on a spot and a bid potentially upwards of £30million will go a long way in helping the Gunners invest in a new centre-back, an area that is need of serious addressing before the end of the transfer window.

The report reveals that Everton are expected to return with an improved offer for the talented Nigerian international before the transfer window shuts but with less than two days left, they will have to hurry up to convince both Arsenal and the player.

Alex Iwobi of Arsenal passes the ball under pressure from Wilfred Zaha of Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on October 28, 2018...