Iwobi reveals he was the only England youth-teamer not offered pro deal straightaway by Arsenal

Everton winger Alex Iwobi has detailed his struggles getting a professional contract during his time with Arsenal.

The Nigeria international, who represented England at youth level, has claimed that he was the only Young Lion not offered a professional contract as part of his scholarship deal.

Iwobi was amazed by the decision of the Arsenal higher-ups as he had belief in his own abilities and had to wait until the end of his scholarship before going professional at the Gunners.

Speaking to Nedum Onuoha Podcast a week ago, Iwobi explained : "At U16 I got the call-up from England which was a big accomplishment coming from Arsenal, Arsenal they believe that's the best academy in England so players should be called up.

"There was a couple of us my age that were called up for England which was good. At 17 everyone my school year who played for England got offered a pro contract straightaway barring me.

"I was the only one that got told that you can take your scholar if you want or you can go elsewhere, that was a challenge in itself, thinking I feel like I'm good enough, I've played for England, why I am not getting the same deal as all my other teammates that played for England.

"I stuck with Arsenal because it's where I felt most comfortable and most at home, and where I can make a name for myself.

"I overcame that challenge, played on, played on, did my two-year scholar then eventually got my first-year pro then I broke into the first team a year after which was good."

Prior to his move to Everton in the summer of 2019, Iwobi racked up 149 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 15 goals during his fifteen-year association with the club.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel