Honestly, Arsenal have executed a number of absolutely awful transfer decisions in recent years, but selling Alex Iwobi to Everton was certainly among their better ones.
During summer of 2019, the Nigeria international joined Merseyside outfit in a £35 million deal from Arsenal – and because he’s an academy graduate, that amount is profit.
Fast forward a couple of years and Iwobi – who began his football career at London Colney – has managed a paltry six goals in 76 matches for the Goodison Park club across all competitions.
Under Rafael Benitez, Iwobi continues to yoyo in and out of the Spaniard’s starting lineup, starting six of Everton’s 13 Premier League outings this season.
Simply put, Everton have also spent rather horribly since Marcel Brands arrived in Liverpool, but dropping that figure on a player like Iwobi is potentially their most questionable piece of business under the Dutchman.
Former Arsenal attacker Paul Merson criticised the player in his column for The Daily Star.
He wrote: “You know there’s a problem when you’re spending nearly £40m on Alex Iwobi. He’s been there nearly three years and he hasn’t even scored ten goals yet!”
Arsenal completely pulled their trousers down
Normally it’s the Gunners who generally get the short end of the stick regarding bargains or duds but, admittedly, this was an absolute masterstroke.
Rememeber Raul Sanllehi? The Spaniard was pulling the strings at the Emirates Stadiums on transfers at the time and credit must go to him.
However, the reason Iwobi left Arsenal for Everton was Sanllehi’s decision to sign Nicolas Pepe for £72 million and therefore effusive praise for the former Arsenal guru ought to be reserved.
The Londoners prepare for a visit to Goodison tomorrow and Iwobi, being one of the most-expensive players ever sold by Arsenal, will be determined to make a statement, though.
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