Iwobi signs long-term Arsenal contract

© Niall Carson/PA Wire

Alex Iwobi has signed a long-term contract at Arsenal, the club have announced.

The Nigeria forward came through the ranks with the Gunners and is now just two appearances short of 100 having made his debut in 2015.

Iwobi, 22, scored three goals in 26 league games under Arsene Wenger last season and has now extended his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

Following Wenger’s departure, questions were raised over whether Iwobi would be sold over the summer.

But new head coach Unai Emery confirmed on the recent pre-season tour of Singapore that the forward was close to agreeing fresh terms.

Iwobi, the nephew of Nigeria great Jay-Jay Okocha, appeared in three of his country’s World Cup matches in Russia.

Emery, whose side start their Premier League season against champions Manchester City next weekend, is happy to have him tied down to a new deal.

“I’m very pleased Alex has signed a new contract with us,” he said in the club’s announcement.

“He is a great example of a player who can succeed from the academy through hard work and I look forward to working with him and our other talented young players in the squad.”