Alex Iwobi added to Arsenal first-team as Arsene Wenger praises youngster's great potential

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James Benge15 February 2016

Arsene Wenger has promoted Alex Iwobi to Arsenal’s first-team squad after the forward’s sparkling contributions in recent months.

The 19-year-old, who a made big impression on Wenger during the club’s pre-season last summer, has played eight times for Arsenal this season, making starts in both FA Cup ties.

It was on those victories over Sunderland and Burnley that Iwobi particularly excelled, creating several chances and dovetailing with the likes of Joel Campbell and Alexis Sanchez.

Iwobi has also made four appearances off the substitutes bench in the Premier League and can hope for further opportunities now that his manager has added him to the first-team squad.

“It’s a very important moment,” Wenger said. “Everybody has to fight hard here to get into the first-team dressing room.

“He came through the youth ranks and he has made it quietly, slowly, but remarkably. Personally I believe this boy will be a great player for Arsenal Football Club. He has all the ingredients, not just on the football front but also mentally.

“He’s intelligent, motivated, focused every day, has a consistent attitude and I’m very happy for him. I hope he will be with the first team for a long time.”

Despite his recent elevation Iwobi was not part of the squad for Sunday’s victory over Leicester City, with the return of Danny Welbeck providing Wenger with further attacking options.

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