Iwobi: I’ll Be Ready For Tougher Competition If Zaha Joins Arsenal

Alex Iwobi says he will be poised to compete for regular playing time at Arsenal if the London side signs Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, but will consider leaving the club should he sit out many games, Completesports.com reports.

Arsenal have reportedly had a £40m bid for £80m-rated Zaha turned turned down by Palace. But it’s uncertain that Unai Emery has given up on his push to bring the Cote d’Ivoire international to Arsenal.

Iwobi started 22 Premier League matches last term and scored three goals. But Zaha’s arrival could mean more threat to the Nigerian’s chances of earning substantial playing time under Emery.

However, Iwobi who represented Nigeria at the just concluded 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where he helped the Super Eagles to win the bronze medal, says he is used to fighting to earn his role at Arsenal.

He admits that Zaha’s arrival will mean tougher competition, but insists he will be ready to fight, as usual.

“Whenever the chance comes I always try and prove I should be starting,” Iwobi told The Sun.

“But it’s going to be difficult if Zaha comes. He will add more stress.

“I am up for the fight but the only time l would consider leaving is if I am not playing as much as I would like to.”

Iwobi added: “Obviously, my joy is to play football and not just sit out.

“f it comes to that I would have no choice but to leave. But I would always put up a fight to play – that is what I have done all my life.

“We have big stars already, so by adding another one I’ll just have to prove I can do better than them.”