Alex Iwobi is set to sign a contract extension at Arsenal, head coach Unai Emery has confirmed.
Confirmation of an imminent new deal for Iwobi comes amid speculation linking him with a move to Lazio but Emery pronounced himself impressed with the progress made by the 22-year-old since he joined up with the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour of Singapore.
“I have the information, he is near,” Emery said when asked about Iwobi’s new deal.
“Mesut, Elneny and Iwobi are working with us - my first impression is very good.
“My information is he will sign to stay with us.”
Since breaking into the first-team squad in early 2016 Iwobi has made 98 appearances for the Gunners, scoring nine goals and providing 18 assists.
However like many Arsenal youngsters he has arguably struggled to push on from his initial bright start and add greater variety to his game. Emery’s predecessor Arsene Wenger long demanded that Iwobi become more ruthless in front of goal but he scored only three times in 26 appearances last season in the Premier League.
