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Alex Iwobi: Why I may leave Arsenal this summer

Arsenal star Alex Iwobi has admitted he might be forced to leave the club if they sign Wilfried Zaha.

The Gunners are chasing Zaha to strengthen the right wing position, where academy graduate Iwobi featured regularly last season.

Zaha has reportedly told Crystal Palace he wants a move to north London after returning from the African Cup of Nations, although Arsenal could still be priced out of a move as they work with a limited budget.

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Iwobi has insisted he will not “chicken out” if Zaha arrives in a big-money move to rival his spot in Unai Emery’s plans.

But he admits the signing of Zaha, 26, would leave him forced to consider his future at the club as he looks to play first-team football.

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

“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.”

Iwobi also has increased competition in the form of Reiss Nelson, back from his loan spell at Hoffenheim, and emerging attacker Eddie Nketiah.

Iwobi is not with the Gunners on their US tour as he had just returned from the African Cup of Nations, where he helped Nigeria finish in third place.

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