Arsene Wenger claims England have missed out on Arsenal starlet

Posted by

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes England have missed out on the future of starlet forward Alex Iwobi as he looks set to pledge his allegiance to Nigeria instead, the Daily Star reports.

Though he was born in Lagos, the teenager has already represented England at youth level, but has since opted to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, by turning out for the Super Eagles.

Iwobi starred in Arsenal’s passage into the next round of the FA Cup at the weekend, and Wenger has tipped him to become more of a fixture in his first team over the coming months.

“He has shown everybody that he is a good football player, again,” Wenger said.

“He’s a boy who two years ago not many would have said, ‘This will be a good player’. He develops very well. He’s very clever.

“I have a hesitation about sending him out on loan because I think this guy could very quickly play.

“But he’s one you can miss because he plays for Nigeria now. He should play for England.

“I remember I wouldn’t release him for an U23 friendly tournament. Then Nigeria called him up for the senior team to force him to go.”

SEE MORE:
Done Deal: Champions League hopefuls complete deal to sign Nigerian striker
Liverpool transfer news: Ogenyi Onazi wanted by Klopp as coach seeks midfield dynamism
WATCH! John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic prove Chelsea dressing room is full of love with on-pitch PDA

More Stories Alex Iwobi England football Nigeria football