Alex Iwobi admits he has a point to prove to Arsenal this year.

Gunners winger Iwobi lost his place in the second half of last season and admits he needs to provide more assists and score goals.

Iwobi, 21, said: “I have a point to prove. I didn’t play as much as I’d like to last year. I want to start the season with a bang. I’ve been doing a bit of running and ball work to prepare.

“I need to be a bit more hungry this year, add more goals and assists. At the start of last season I played a lot. I want to do that all year. Consistency is the key with me.

“Goals win games. I need to add that. Arsene Wenger spoke to me towards the end of last season. Show me you’re able to do that and ill give you a chance.”

Iwobi set up ALexandre Lacazette's goal in Thursday's tour opener (
Image:
Mark Metcalfe)
Iwobi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles during training on Friday (
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Arsenal FC)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has a shot at goal during training (
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Arsenal FC)
Petr Cech dives for a save (
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Arsenal FC)

Iwobi was born in Nigeria, played through the age groups with England after moving to London aged four and yet opted to play for the country of his birth.

It is an interesting story because former England boss Roy Hodgson tried to get him to play for England and Iwobi’s decision to play for Nigeria has persuaded the FA to stage a review of why they are allowing kids to slip through the net.

But Iwobi admits he always wanted to play for Nigeria and playing for England through the age groups was just because he grew up in London.

Mesut Ozil tries his hand at photography (
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Arsenal FC/Getty)
Sead Kolasinac before a training session at the ANZ Stadium (
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Arsenal FC)
The Arsenal players warm up (
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Arsenal FC)
Theo Walcott takes a selfie with fans (
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Arsenal FC)

He added: “Originally I’m from Nigeria. I always felt comfortable there. It was a hard decision because Id played for England but I felt more at home there. When I first went they treated me like royalty. For the U23s, like a king. It’s a big thing there.

“As I was about to play my first match (for Nigeria) Roy Hodgson was in contact with Arsenal saying they’d like me to get involved with the under-21s but my mind was made up. It’s my decision.”