Frank Lampard looks set for a big boost at Everton in the coming weeks, as influential midfielder Alex Iwobi is reportedly set to sign a new deal at Goodison Park.
The Nigeria international, who joined the Toffees from Arsenal in 2019, has been revolutionised as a central midfielder under Lampard and has been one of the bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing season for the Merseyside club.
Therefore, it is no surprise that Lampard is keen to offer him a new contract to extend his stay at the club, as his current deal was set to expire at the end of next season.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on Twitter on Saturday, writing:
“Alex Iwobi will soon sign a new deal with Everton. Talks are well advanced, it’s going to be a new long-term deal. Negotiations are progressing to the final stages.”
In total, the 26-year-old has made 114 appearances in an Everton shirt, contributing eight goals and 14 assists, but his seven goal contributions so far this season emphasise the positive transformation he has undergone during his time at Goodison Park.
Journalist Joe Thomas was full of praise for Iwobi earlier this season on the Liverpool Echo’s Royal Blue podcast.
He said: “We are almost running out of superlatives to describe Alex Iwobi, at some point we are going to have to start thinking about and I wonder, maybe you two can help me with this, but at what does it need to reach before we can start discussing whether we can have a statue of him outside Bramley-Moore?
“He’s just been absolutely phenomenal and is another player Frank Lampard and his coaching team have been crucial to his renaissance really.”
So far this campaign, no player in Everton’s squad has contributed to more goals in the Premier League than Iwobi, while his 6.75 rating from WhoScored ranks him as the fifth-best performer in Lampard’s squad.
He also leads the way for key passes at Everton, which emphasises the creative influence he is beginning to have on games.
Therefore, it can only be great news as far as Lampard is concerned that Iwobi is close to extending his stay with Everton, as he will no doubt be important for the Toffees when the Premier League resumes later this month, with another relegation battle seemingly on the cards.