A report by CIES Football Observatory suggests that the market value of Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has declined significantly since his departure from Arsenal.
There is an indication of praise for Unai Emery, who facilitated the 27-year-old's transfer to Everton
Now with Fulham, Iwobi joined Arsenal as a kid in 2004, but it was in 2013 that he first got involved with the first team as an unused substitute in a League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion.
On October 27, 2015, Iwobi marked his debut for the first team of the club, commencing in a 3–0 loss against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup Round of 16.
Just four days later, he entered the Premier League scene as a stoppage-time substitute for Mesut Özil in a 3–0 victory over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
His first appearance in the Champions League came as an 85th-minute substitute in a 5–1 loss against Bayern Munich.
Iwobi's inclusion in the starting lineup for the 2015–16 FA Cup 3rd and 4th round home triumphs against Sunderland and Burnley, respectively, showcased his growing role in the team.
Following his inaugural Champions League start in a 3–1 defeat away to Barcelona, Iwobi swiftly made an impact, netting two goals in his first two Premier League starts, contributing to victories against Everton and Watford, respectively.
On August 8, 2019, Iwobi inked a five-year deal with Everton. As reported by the BBC, Arsenal secured an initial fee of £28 million, with the possibility of additional add-ons raising the total to £35 million.
Was Unai Emery right in letting go of Iwobi?
Upon leaving Arsenal, he amassed a total of 149 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 25 assists. His tenure also saw him clinch one FA Cup title and two Community Shields.
Between 2015 and 2019, Iwobi was a prominent figure for the Gunners, making a total of 100 appearances and leaving a significant impact on the pitch.
In the 2015-16 season, he showcased his budding talent with 21 appearances, contributing two goals and three assists, resulting in a goal involvement per match of 0.23.
The following season, 2016-17, saw Iwobi further establish himself, featuring in 38 matches, scoring four goals, and providing six assists, with a slightly improved goal involvement per match of 0.26.
Continuing his progression, the 2017-18 campaign witnessed his increased influence, as he made 39 appearances, tallying three goals and seven assists, maintaining a goal involvement per match of 0.25.
His final season at Arsenal, 2018-2019, proved to be his most prolific, with Iwobi featuring in 51 matches, scoring six goals, and delivering nine assists, resulting in a notable goal involvement per match of 0.29.
Emery's decision to part ways with Iwobi proved to be a prudent move for Arsenal, as it allowed the club to capitalise on Iwobi's market value of €30m (£26m).
What is Iwobi's market value in the transfer market?
CIES Football Observatory reports that Iwobi's current value stands at €20m, approximately £17m, marking a 50% decrease from his transfer fee when Arsenal sold him in 2019.
Although he has performed adequately for the Cottagers, tallying four goals and one assist in 22 games, this represents a notable decrease in value compared to his £35m transfer just four and a half years ago.
At Everton, he made 138 appearances, scored nine goals, and provided 16 assists before departing for Fulham in a £22m deal in September 2023.
