It’s not often that we get any early Arsenal news ahead of the January transfer window, but it looks as if we’ll have one more player available for selection.
That’s because over the weekend, Nigeria failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which take place during January and February, which has positive reactions to the Gunners.
It means our rising star Alex Iwobi will no longer be travelling away from the Emirates and instead will stay with the club during the tournament.
On the other hand, Egyptian defensive midfielder Mohamed Elneny will be heading to the competition after his country topped the qualifying group ahead of Iwobi’s Nigeria.
It’s been a massive year for the 20-year-old, who after making his competitive debut under Arsene Wenger soon grabbed the attention of the national team.
Iwobi had the chance to play for either one of England or Nigeria, but in a decisive moment the winger chose to go with his birth-nation, a choice he never regrets.
Reports suggested that Arsenal refused Iwobi the chance to represent his country at this years Rio Olympics as they wanted him to start the season fully focused on Arsenal.
It was a ruthless decision that Iwobi took well, but during the Premier League opener against Liverpool he picked up a strain on his thigh and was ruled out for four weeks.
Arsenal fans will look forward to welcoming the youngster back into action as they host Southampton at the Emirates this weekend.
Wenger is unlikely to rush Iwobi straight into first team action due to the options being so vast out on the flanks now that Lucas Perez has signed for the club.
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