Everton’s Alex Iwobi reveals Arsenal ‘pushed’ him to move after buying £72m flop Nicolas Pepe

Former Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi has revealed he believes his formed club ‘pushed’ him to the exit at the Emirates ahead of his move to Everton in 2019.

The Nigerian international joined Arsenal’s youth academy in 2004 and made his breakthrough with the first team in 2015.

But his north London career came to an end when he decided to take on a new challenge at Everton, having reportedly signed a deal worth up to £34 million with possible add-ons.

Speak against The beautiful game podcast, the 26-year-old shared that he may not have made the decision to move to Liverpool entirely on his own, but instead has been influenced by changes at the club.

My last game was the Europa League final and he [Unai Emery] said to me: “It’s a pity I didn’t start you, I want you here next season,” the midfielder began.

Iwobi joined Arsenal in 2004 as a youth academy player and broke into the first team in 2015

The Nigerian international scored on his last appearance for the Gunners in the Europa League final against Chelsea

“So then, from day one to last day, Everton pushed and pushed and pushed.

And Arsenal have just signed a new winger [Nicolas Pepe]… and there were a few players who were still there, they weren’t ready [leave].

‘[Arsenal] said “We’ve received an offer for you, it’s a high offer, we’re not going to get this money from anywhere else”.

“It was a nudge, ‘he’s also a winger, he’s probably going to play in your position. It’s up to you’.”

Iwobi scored the only goal in Arsenal’s 4-1 Europa League final thrashing at the hands of Chelsea in what turned out to be his final appearance for Emery’s side.

Pepe’s move to North London was announced on 1 August, with the France international becoming the club’s record move with his £72 million price tag.

But despite early promises, Pepe was unable to live up to his bill and was loaned to Nice at the start of the 2022/23 season.

When Iwobi heard about Arsenal’s signing of Pepe and amid Everton’s continued interest, Iwobi pondered his next move.

“They gave me that, and Everton is a club that is also a very big club that wants me. I want a new challenge, so why not take it on?’

Gradually, the player has found his footing at Everton and this season has proven to be a crucial player in the team’s fight to avoid relegation.

Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery was not convinced the player should make the move

Nicolas Pépé failed to fulfill his promise at Arsenal before being loaned to Nice in 2022

The 26-year-old recently impressed on the road against Graham Potter’s Chelsea

Iwobi’s form improved under Frank Lampard, after a slight dip his confidence is growing under Sean Dyche.

His most recent showing of strength came during Everton’s important road draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Any point Everton can win back will be needed by Dyche’s side as they seek to avoid the club’s first ever relegation.

Everton are currently 15th in the tightly packed bottom half of the table, hovering just two points above the relegation zone.