Alex Iwobi has opened up about the surprising circumstances surrounding his departure from Arsenal F.C., revealing he was on holiday when events began to unfold that eventually led to his transfer.
The Nigerian international said the situation developed shortly after the Africa Cup of Nations, when then-Arsenal manager Unai Emery granted players extra time off following the tournament.
Speaking in an interview about the 2019 transfer window, Iwobi explained that he travelled to Dubai with his family while recovering from the competition.
“Unai Emery gave the AFCON players extra week to recover. I’ve gone to Dubai with my family,” Iwobi recalled.
During that break, the situation at the club began to change. Arsenal completed the signing of Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pépé in a then club-record deal, increasing competition in Iwobi’s position.
At the same time, the midfielder said he received a call from his agent informing him that Everton were preparing a bid.
“Three or two days before the transfer deadline day, my agent said Everton are interested,” he said.
Iwobi added that he initially expected to remain at Arsenal but later discovered the club had already shared his medical details as talks progressed.
“Arsenal have already handed in the medical… they might want you gone,” he said.
The move was completed on transfer deadline day in August 2019, ending a 15-year association with Arsenal, where Iwobi had progressed through the academy before making 149 senior appearances.
He went on to spend four seasons at Everton before joining Fulham F.C. in 2023, where he has continued his Premier League career.
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