Everton confirm £40m transfer of Alex Iwobi from Arsenal on five-year contract in deadline day shock
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EVERTON have confirmed the signing of Alex Iwobi from Arsenal for £40million.
The winger made a shock deadline day move to Goodison Park after the Toffees failed to sign Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace.
Nigerian winger Iwobi made the deadline day move after the Gunners paid a club record £72m to bring in Nicolas Pepe.
The signing saw 23-year-old Iwobi fall down the pecking order at the Emirates.
Iwobi is the seventh arrival in what ended up being a busy summer transfer window for Everton.
Manager Marco Silva said: "Alex was one of our main targets for this window and I believe he is a fantastic signing for Everton. He is a direct and skilful winger and attacking midfielder who always works very hard for his team.
"He is still young but already with a lot of top-level experience – 100 Premier League matches, more in Europe and many international games.
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"It was important for me to have one more quality option for our attacking positions to add to what we have with Richarlison, Bernard and Theo Walcott.
"Alex fits exactly the profile of player I want in my model. He is hungry to join Everton and take the next step in his career, to help us compete with the strongest teams in the league and reach his potential at our club."
Former boss Unai Emery praised Iwobi's for his success at Arsenal having been developed through the academy.
Emery said: "Alex has made a big contribution here at Arsenal. He worked hard in the academy where he was an example to many young players and has been an important part of our squad.
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"We wish Alex every success in the future."
Silva has added goalkeeper Jonas Lossl, defender Djibril Sidibe, midfielders Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin, and striker Moise Kean to his squad.
And Iwobi completes the set as Silva looks ahead to utilising his squad in the upcoming Premier League season.