Everton has opened talks with Alex Iwobi over a new contract.
Discussions are at an early stage, but the Blues are keen to tie down the 26-year-old, who has
grown to become an integral part of the squad under Frank Lampard. Iwobi has been one of
the most impressive players of the opening seven games of the Premier League season – even
though he has been used in an unfamiliar central midfield role.
Talks with Iwobi come with Everton also in discussions with Jordan Pickford and Anthony
Gordon over new contracts, as reported this week.
Iwobi is under contract until 2024 but Everton are looking to secure his future at Goodison
Park following a dramatic rise in his importance over the last six months. Iwobi’s attitude and
versatility has been key, with the former Arsenal man kickstarting his progress with the dramatic
99th-minute winner over Newcastle United in March. He then played a vital role in the final stages
of the relegation battle while operating as a right wing back. Injuries led to him being moved
into central midfield for the final friendly of Everton’s pre-season, against Dynamo Kyiv. Such has
been his form in that position he has remained there despite the return to fitness of other central
midfielders and several signings boosting Lampard’s options in that position. Iwobi created Neal
Maupay’s winner against West Ham United on Sunday.
Lampard has been crucial to Iwobi’s resurgence, as has assistant manager Joe Edwards, while
the red card he received for Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations in January also led to reflection.
Everton are in also talks with Gordon, whose value to the club has soared this year too. The
21-year-old has scored twice in the league this season and was handed the number 10 shirt over
the summer.
The Blues fought off Chelsea during the transfer window, rejecting a £45m bid for the
homegrown star. Of the latest on his contract talks, Lampard said on Friday: “The club are
speaking to Anthony and Anthony’s people to see if we can get the right solution.”
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