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Arsenal have handed a new 'long-term' contract to Alex Iwobi, as the Gunners show their faith in the 19-year-old forward's potential.

The teenager has impressed for Arsenal's Under-21 side this season and fans were given a glimpse of his talents in pre-season when he featured on their tour to Singapore and then in the Emirates Cup, where he netted against Lyon .

But will he be the next star to emerge from the Gunners' academy?

The production line at Hale End has continued to churn out first-team players, with Hector Bellerin last year emerging as a first-team regular.

So what do we know about the talented forward?

Background

(Image: David Price)

Iwobi was born in Lagos and has recently been the subject of an international tug-of-war between England and Nigeria. He has now committed to Nigeria after gaining caps for England's Under-16, 17 and 18 teams.

Gunners fans were given a glimpse of Iwobi's obvious talents during pre-season, when he was a surprise inclusion in Arsene Wenger's touring squad to Singapore, before he netted against Lyon in the Emirate's Cup in August.

Strengths

Iwobi is extremely versatile, having played in every position from full-back to centre forward as he's worked his way through the ranks at Hale End.

Once his academy coaches figured out the best ways to utilise his talents, Iwobi has now settled in an attacking position where his pace, movement and eye for goal can be utilised.

(Image: David Price)

He responded with eight goals in 35 appearances last season for the Gunners' Under-18 and under 19 sides in the 2013-14 season before making the step up to Steve Gatting's Under-21 side, where he was regularly captaining the side by the end of last season.

Skillful Iwobi can also boast of quick feet and an efficiency in possession that makes him tailor-made to fit in Wenger's system, should his recent progression continue on an upward trajectory.

Weaknesses

Top of Iwobi's to do list will be to improve his strike-rate. Perhaps it is due to the fact that he took a while to settle on a position as he rose through the ranks at London Hale, but if he can consistently add goals to his creativity and clever movement, then he will really be able to stake a claim for regular first-team action.

(Image: Reuters / Paul Hackett)

What are they saying about him?

“I like his team attitude, his movement,” said Arsene Wenger following the 19-year-old's goalscoring appearance against Lyon in August's Emirate's Cup.

“We have a game based on movement and speed, and he integrates that very well. He has good power and is usually efficient – he scores goals a lot.”

(Image: David Price)

What's he got to say himself?

Iwobi was understandably very happy to put pen to paper and sign his new deal at the Emirates, saying he felt his hard work had been rewarded.

“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract, especially with a club like Arsenal who are so big,” he told the club's official website. “I’m happy to sign for them.

“I like to think I have earned it. I have gone through a lot with Arsenal so to have a new and improved contract is very good and I’m happy to have earned it.

“I have had ups and downs. As I was growing up I had a lot of downs but as I get older things just keep getting better and better.

“The ultimate goal is to break into the first team and play as many games as I can.”

Did you know?

Iwobi's uncle is former Bolton Wanderers and Nigeria star Jay-Jay Okocha.