Iwobi: Why I Chose Arsenal Over West Ham

Alex Iwobi’s football journey could have taken a very different path. As a youngster growing up in Newham, he was courted by both Arsenal and West Ham.

For three years, he and Chuba Akpom trained with both clubs, sparking tension between the academies. West Ham wanted to secure his talent, but Iwobi’s heart was already leaning toward Arsenal, the club he supported.

In his own words, Iwobi chose Arsenal because he saw them as the ‘bigger club’ and his boyhood team.

Akpom later revealed that Arsenal and West Ham ‘had a bit of a fight’ over the pair, but ultimately both signed for the Gunners. That decision set Iwobi on a path to Premier League prominence, while West Ham missed out on a local talent.

Iwobi rose through Hale End and made his senior debut under Arsène Wenger in 2015. His versatility, able to play wide or centrally, earned him regular minutes.

He featured in over 100 league games, won the FA Cup in 2017, and played in a Europa League final. Though not always prolific, his energy and technical skill made him a trusted squad player.

In 2019, Everton paid around £40 million to bring him to Merseyside. At Goodison Park, Iwobi evolved from a winger into a more complete midfielder.

Managers like Carlo Ancelotti and Frank Lampard used him centrally, where his work rate and adaptability stood out. Despite Everton’s struggles, he became a reliable presence, logging over 120 league appearances.

Iwobi joined Fulham in 2023, signing a long-term deal. Under Marco Silva, he rediscovered attacking confidence, scoring decisive goals and becoming a creative spark.

His thunderous strike against Tottenham in 2024 symbolized his growth: a player once seen as a squad option now delivering match-winning moments.