TheCable

Alex Iwobi, Super Eagles of Nigeria forward, has admitted that he could be forced to leave Arsenal if he loses his place in the first team to Wilfried Zaha.

The 26-year-old Crystal Palace winger has since been a top target for Unai Emery with the Gunners seeking to strengthen the right wing position, where Iwobi, their academy graduate, featured regularly last season.

The have had an opening offer of around £40million rejected for the Ivory Coast international.

While Palace are believed to be expecting a fee closer to their £80m valuation of Zaha, the Gunners remain optimistic of landing the talented forward.

The Nigerian international has, however, stated that although he is ready to fight for his place at the club, he might be forced to find a new club if Zaha takes his spot in the first-team.

“I am not one to chicken out. I have had it all over the years, being told I’m not good enough,” he told The Sun.

“So whenever the chance comes I always try and prove I should be starting. But it’s going to be difficult if Zaha comes. He will add more stress.

“I am up for the fight but the only time I would consider leaving is if I am not playing as much as I would like to.

“Obviously, my joy is to play football and not just sit out. If it comes to that I would have no choice but to leave. But I would always put up a fight to play — that is what I have done all my life.

“We have big stars already, so by adding another one I’ll just have to prove I can do better than them.”