Alex Iwobi has admitted that he is working hard to be fit and ready for the new season, but where is he supposed to fit in our first XI?
The Nigerian international impressed when breaking into the first-team squad in the 2015-16 season, but failed to have a similar impact last term.
Iwobi started the previous campaign as a first-team regular, but failed to build on his run in the starting XI, and failed to earn an extended stay in the team, but his battle to return to the line-up may well be hampered by our new formation.
Alex will have to battle with Sanchez and Ozil for a place in one of our attacking roles, with Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck among others also vying for game time.
Iwobi is not disheartened by the challenge ahead of him however, and is keen to fight for his place, and has even been challenged by boss Arsene Wenger to build on his game.
The 21 year-old said: “I have a point to prove. I didn’t play as much as I’d like to last year. I want to start the season with a bang. I’ve been doing a bit of running and ball work to prepare.
“I need to be a bit more hungry this year, add more goals and assists. At the start of last season I played a lot. I want to do that all year. Consistency is the key with me.
“Goals win games. I need to add that. Arsene Wenger spoke to me towards the end of last season. Show me you’re able to do that and ill give you a chance.”
He then reiterated his stance on his international decision, having snubbed England for Nigeria despite playing in the youth sides for us, adding: “Originally I’m from Nigeria. I always felt comfortable there. It was a hard decision because Id played for England but I felt more at home there. When I first went they treated me like royalty. For the U23s, like a king. It’s a big thing there.
“As I was about to play my first match (for Nigeria) Roy Hodgson was in contact with Arsenal saying they’d like me to get involved with the under-21s but my mind was made up. It’s my decision.”
Can Iwobi get back on track and force his way into Wenger’s first-team plans? Could he maybe switch to a wing-back role?
Pat J