Nigerian forward, Alex Iwobi, has committed his future with English club, Arsenal, by signing “a new long-term contract”.
The teenager, this week, was reported to be heading out on loan to a yet-to-be-named club, until he agreed to a new deal with the Gunners.
“Alex Iwobi has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. The 19-year-old forward, who is a mainstay of the Gunners’ under-21s, also impressed for the first team this pre-season,” Arsenal announced on Tuesday.
Iwobi, who has been called up by Nigeria for the international matches against DR Congo and Cameroon this week, is “delighted” with getting a new contract with the former England champions.
The 19-year-old believes that he earned the “improved contract” despite being unable to break into the first-team of the Arsenal squad in the Barclays Premier League this term, after impressing during their pre-season tour.
“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract, especially with a club like Arsenal who are so big,” he told Arsenal.com. “I’m happy to sign for them.
“I like to think I have earned it. I have gone through a lot with Arsenal so to have a new and improved contract is very good and I’m happy to have earned it.
“I have had ups and downs. As I was growing up I had a lot of downs but as I get older things just keep getting better and better.
“The ultimate goal is to break into the first team and play as many games as I can.”
Though he is yet to make the Arsenal first-team in the league this season, Iwobi has been a key figure for the club’s under-21s.
Iwobi scored nine goals in nine matches for the Arsenal under-21s last season.
The striker joined the Arsenal Academy as a primary school pupil and has played for England at youth level.