Alex Iwobi’s future in doubt as Everton waste no time in locating replacement

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Alex Iwobi of Everton FC looks on during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Everton FC at Turf Moor on October 05, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Alex Iwobi of Everton FC looks on during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Everton FC at Turf Moor on October 05, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Alex Iwobi’s future could be in doubt as Everton have joined the race to sign Samuel Chukwueze.

Throughout the Farhad Moshiri era, Everton have spent a ridiculous amount of money on signings that have often failed to impress. One such signing has been Alex Iwobi. He has been embarrassing, underperforming and lacking confidence, making him one of the biggest failures in the recent transfer activity. It feels as though the Royal Blues have been duped of £34 million by Arsenal.

The criticism is valid considering the number of chances he has been given. First under Marco Silva and then under Ancelotti, the Nigerian’s lacklustre performances have remained consistent. He too often loses the ball and seldom when he manages to keep the ball with him, he keeps it for too long inviting pressure. His strong points have rarely worked in his favour and despite his repeated attempts to recover, the tide isn’t turning his way.

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At the moment, Alex Iwobi simply isn’t good enough to feature in the Royal Blue shirt considering the ambitions of the club and Ancelotti. The Toffees have accepted the fact that Iwobi cannot be the game changer that they wished him to be when they signed him in 2019. The recent slump has pushed Everton to find a replacement with Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze as a possible option.

According to a report from 90min, Everton have joined the race to sign Samuel Chukwueze from La Liga side Villarreal. English giants Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are also in the hunt.

The 21 year old has been a revelation since a young age and Villarreal have been smart enough to offer him new contracts and hike the release clause. The Yellow Submarine is flying in the managership of Unai Emery, placed third in the La Liga table so far.

Chukwueze, a right winger by trade, is capable of filling the right winger void at Goodison. James Rodriguez is a playmaker and often drifts inward from the right flank to control the tempo and create chances. If the 21 year old is signed, Ancelotti could tweak the formation and have two speedy wingers on either flank and allow James to orchestrate the attack by playing as a No.10.

However, Chukwueze isn’t a proven match-winner. He’s still learning the art and polishes his game week by week. So, if Everton are actually interested in signing the Nigerian they need to move carefully so as to repeat another Iwobi like situation. The Toffees need more players like Richarlison rather than the Iwobi’s and the Bernard’s.

At 21, Chukwueze has ample time on his side to mature into a top rated winger. Everton can provide him with the ecosystem to achieve that.