According to a recent report by TalkSPORT‘s Jim White (via the Sun), Everton have found a cheaper alternative to Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and have made a £30m bid for the Arsenal wide player Alex Iwobi this summer. The same source has also claimed that the Gunners have declined the offer and are only going to sanction a transfer if they receive a bid around £40m for their prized asset before tomorrow’s 5 pm transfer deadline.
BBC Sport correspondent David Ornstein has also backed the claim by tweeting that he expects the deal to get done if the Toffees are willing to meet Arsenal’s £40m+ asking price in the coming hours.
Iwobi Vs Zaha: Who Has The Statistical Edge?
Iwobi is a product of Arsenal’s academy and has come through their youth ranks before establishing himself in the Gunners first-team over the past couple of seasons. He has improved his game under Unai Emery’s tutelage and put in a series of impressive displays for the North London outfit in the 2018-19 Premier League campaign. The Lagos-born talent made 51 appearances for the English giants in the last term, scoring six goals while grabbing nine assists across all competitions.
In contrast, Zaha featured in 36 matches for the Eagles last season, registering ten goals while providing ten assists on all fronts. It is worth noting that Zaha played a major bulk of the past campaign operating as a centre-forward up top. Hence, he managed to break into the double-figure mark in both goals scored and assists last season.
Comparatively, Iwobi is a natural wide player who can provide more width out on the left flank as he has a gifted left foot and is blessed with blistering pace and agility. However, Zaha is arguably a better finisher inside the opposition penalty box and has built a reputation for earning penalties for his side.
With the VAR technology set to come into full effect in the English top-flight next season, the Ivorian could prove to be a useful asset. He would be able to invite challenges from the opposing defenders and earn fouls in the final third.
Will Iwobi Be A Decent Alternative For Zaha?
Zaha has a better track record in recent seasons, but he is three years older than Iwobi. Thus, it makes sense for the Toffees to opt for the 36-time Nigeria international as he would be an ideal alternative for the Palace talisman. Iwobi will also be a cheaper alternative as he is available for just £40m during this summer transfer period.
