Retired Nigeria international Austin Okocha has dropped a big hint that his nephew Alex Iwobi might be farmed out on loan to a club below the Premier League in the January transfer window, despite penning a long - term contract with Arsenal before jetting out for international duty.

The ex Bolton Wanderers star has opined that Iwobi is in the long - term plans of The Gunners, hence, their decision to tie him down to a new deal, with the previous agreement between club and player set to expire on June 30, 2016.

“Alex Iwobi signing a new contract shows the club have a long - term plan for him and it shows how good he is. To be offered a new contract shows they are planning with him, ” Austin Okocha told allnigeriasoccer.com.

“At the beginning of the season, Arsene Wenger said he wasn’t going to give him out on loan but it’s better for him to be playing so he may go on loan in January.”

Regarding Iwobi’s invitation to the national team, Okocha said that the striker deserved his call - up and pointed out that the youngster had a good pre - season with Arsenal.

“He deserves his call - up to the Nigeria squad, he had a good pre - season and that’s when people saw him.

“If we have plans of building a new team, then, it is better we catch them young. It’s a well deserved call - up. And it is encouraging for the younger ones who are coming up that they’ll get their own chance, ” Austin Okocha concluded.

The 19 - year - old Alex Iwobi, who turned out 11 times for England’s youth teams, could make his debut for the Super Eagles on Thursday against Democratic Republic of Congo.

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