Alex Iwobi excited by Arsenal coach Unai Emery

Alex Iwobi is looking forward to working with Arsenal's new head coach Unai Emery despite being left surprised by the exit of his former mentor Arsene Wenger.

Wenger called time on his 22-year stay at Arsenal at the end of the 2-17-18 season, with the French coach leaving the footballing world in shock at deciding to leave the north London club with a year left to run on his contract.

Arsenal's search for Wenger's successor led them to Emery, who was available after leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer following a trophy-laden 2017-18 campaign in the French capital.

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Iwobi was just five months old when Wenger was appointed as Arsenal's new manager in 1996, and joined the Gunners' youth academy while still in primary school.

The former England youth international rose through the ranks at Arsenal to become a first-team starter under Wenger, and eventually chose to represent Nigeria at senior international level.

Iwobi tweeted at the time of Wenger's exit announcement in April that he would "forever be grateful" for everything Wenger had done for him, and once again paid tribute to the long-serving Arsenal boss ahead of Nigeria's friendly against England at Wembley.

"I was surprised by his decision," Iwobi said in the pre-match programme notes. "[Wenger] has been there for me since I joined the club and has been very inspirational and influential on my career, but I am excited having our new manager [Emery] next season."

Regarding his rise at Arsenal, Iwobi added: "It has always been my childhood dream [to play for Arsenal]. I have been playing for Arsenal since I was six.

"The fact I am representing them now is like a dream come true. I am always proud to wear the Arsenal colours and long may it continue."