Alex Iwobi was “surprised” to see Arsene Wenger call time on a 22-year spell at Arsenal , but the Nigerian forward is now eager to link up with Unai Emery.
The Gunners were stunned back in April when their long-serving manager revealed that he would be walking away at the end of the season.
Various candidates were mooted as possible successors to the Frenchman, with former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery eventually taking over.
All of those at Arsenal are now starting with a clean slate as a new era is welcomed in, with Iwobi among those hoping to make his mark and earn regular game time.
The winger, who is preparing for World Cup 2018 duty, told the official matchday programme ahead of Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to England: “I was surprised by his [Wenger’s] decision.
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“[Wenger] has been there for me since I joined the club and has been very inspirational and influential on my career, but I am excited having our new manager next season.
“It has always been my childhood dream [to play for Arsenal]. I have been playing for Arsenal since I was six.
“The fact I am representing them now is like a dream come true. I am always proud to wear the Arsenal colours, and long may it continue.”
Iwobi made a career-high 39 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions in 2017-18.
He recorded three goals during those outings, with there a feeling that the 22-year-old is capable of offering more to the collective cause.
He has shown with Nigeria what he is capable of, with another goal added to his international tally during the narrow defeat to England at Wembley Stadium.
