Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi is reportedly holding off on signing a new contract with Everton until the club’s Premier League future is determined.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Alexander Iwobi of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park on February 04, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Alexander Iwobi of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park on February 04, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
  • Alex Iwobi is holding off on signing a new Everton contract until the club’s Premier League future is decided.
  • The Nigerian international’s current deal with Everton expires in 2024, after signing from Arsenal in 2019.
  • Everton are currently 17th in the Premier League table.

Former Arsenal midfielder, Alex Iwobi, is reportedly holding off on signing a new contract with Everton as he awaits the outcome of the club’s fight for Premier League survival, according to sources close to Football Insider.

Iwobi’s Everton future hinges on Premier League status

The 26-year-old Nigerian international has had extensive discussions with Everton regarding a contract extension beyond his current deal, which is set to expire in 2024.

Iwobi moved to Everton in 2019 after leaving Arsenal, where he rose through the ranks and gained valuable top-flight experience.

Contract talks progressing, but uncertainty remains

Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard (L) challenges Everton's Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 22, 2022. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard (L) challenges Everton’s Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 22, 2022. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

Last month, it was reported that Iwobi’s contract negotiations with the Toffees were going well, with the player preparing to commit his future to the Merseyside club.

However, recent developments suggest that Iwobi is now waiting to see whether Everton will retain their Premier League status before making a final decision.

Everton’s relegation battle

Under manager Sean Dyche, Everton currently sit 17th in the Premier League, just four points clear of bottom-of-the-table Southampton and level on points with 18th placed Nottingham Forest.

With crucial matches against Newcastle United and Manchester City still to come, the Toffees face an uphill battle to secure their top-flight status.

Iwobi’s contributions at Goodison Park

Since joining Everton, Iwobi has made 130 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals and providing 15 assists.

This season, he has featured in 33 matches across all competitions, contributing one goal and eight assists.

The versatile midfielder has attracted interest from other Premier League teams, as well as clubs across Europe, due to his performances and potential availability.

Alex Iwobi at Arsenal

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Alex Iwobi began his football career at Arsenal, joining the club’s Hale End Academy at a young age. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, on May 3, 1996, Iwobi is the nephew of Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha.

Iwobi made his first-team debut for Arsenal on October 27, 2015, in a League Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday.

His Premier League debut came later that year, on October 31, against Swansea City. Iwobi scored his first goal for the Gunners on April 2, 2016, in a 4-0 win over Watford.

During his time at Arsenal, Iwobi was known for his versatility, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances for teammates. He was predominantly deployed as a winger but could also play as an attacking midfielder or even as a wing-back when needed.

Under manager Arsène Wenger, Iwobi became a regular fixture in the first team, and his potential was evident early on.

In total, Iwobi made 149 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 15 goals and providing 27 assists in all competitions.

He was part of the squad that won the FA Cup in 2017 and the Community Shield in both 2015 and 2017.

Despite his potential and contributions, Iwobi struggled to maintain consistency in his performances, and his time at Arsenal came to an end when he joined Everton in August 2019 for a reported fee of around £34 million.

The move to Everton provided Iwobi with an opportunity for regular playing time and a chance to further develop his skills in the Premier League.