Iwobi: I was nearly released by Arsenal

Iwobi burst onto the scene last season and scored on his first two Premier League starts for the Gunners. However, the Nigerian's future could have gone a different way if it wasn't for being given a second chance at the club where he came through the youth system.

"I was almost released at 14, again at 16 and just about got a professional contract after that," the 20-year-old forward told 'Standard Sport'.

"Especially at 14, I thought I was very close to not making it. It was stressful as I was going through school, trying to balance that and make sure I was still signed for Arsenal. It was really difficult for me.

"We usually found out in December who might be kept on but I kept on getting the question 'is he good enough?' So they extended it to see if I could do something and it went to March and then April. Luckily I did enough".

The winger went on to explain that he was given the option to leave at 16, but he decided to stay in north London.

"At 16, I got the option to leave but I always felt at home at Arsenal and that was where I wanted to be," he added.

"At 16, there were a lot of good players, a few internationals in the team at a young age so it was difficult for me to stand out in the games.

"They always want the best and I wasn't really up there at that age. The fact that I kept getting chances makes me feel lucky".