‘We need that’: Ian Wright says ‘unbelievable’ player Emery sold would be perfect for Arsenal now

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has claimed that the Gunners could do with a player like Everton star Alex Iwobi now

The Nigerian came through the ranks at Arsenal and became a regular under Unai Emery. However, he was sold in 2019 for £35 million (Sky Sports) – a fee many fans, pundits and the media ridiculed.

Ian Wright says Arsenal ‘need’ a player like Everton star Alex Iwobi now

Iwobi has been playing in central midfield this season, and he has been incredible there. His intensity, work rate and the way he presses has been a breath of fresh air for Everton fans, who absolutely love him at Goodison Park now.

Wright is absolutely delighted for Iwobi. He praised the 26-year-old in the latest episode of the Wrighty’s House podcast, and even went on to say that Arsenal could do with a player like him in midfield.

He said: “I’m so pleased with the way it’s going for him. I remember Arsenal fans, it’s the same thing they did with Oxlade-Chamberlain, they ridiculed him. I remember watching him play in midfield early days for Arsenal at West Ham, and you’re seeing something.

“His ball progression and work rate, what Frank has now recognised him and put him there, listen to the Everton fans when he’s doing his work, they are adoring him now. I’m loving the way it’s working out for Iwobi.

“I’m just talking about somebody who’s making a massive difference to what Everton need – the work rate, his ball progression, his passing, everything. He’s the pass before the assist, people don’t realise it. Everton fans are now starting to realise that if they get the right players in and around him, he’s going to be a force for them.

“You look at his work rate, it’s unbelievable. It’s the kind of intensity that Mikel wants now and needs now, we need that, we need somebody who can press like that.”

The Nigerian’s best position was always thought to be on the left wing. His pace, dribbling and skill on the ball made us all think he’s perfect in that wide role, but Lampard has seen something in him that many others didn’t – the ability to become a very good midfielder.

With Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye set to play alongside Iwobi in the middle of the park, the Nigerian, as Wrighty said, really could become a force for the Toffees in the coming weeks.

Iwobi now needs to add goals to his name from midfield, and Lampard, who knows a thing or two about scoring from the middle of the park, is the perfect man to help him develop that side of the game.