Blues in Race to Sign Iwobi

Blues are in the race to sign Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi on loan, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 19 year-old, who can play out wide or as a striker, has made two substitute appearances for The Gunners this season. Reading and Sheffield United are also reportedly in pursuit of the player who is the nephew of former Bolton ace Jay-Jay Okocha.

Arsene Wenger was previously in two minds whether to let Iwobi go out on loan due to the number of injuries in his depleted Arsenal squad. But Iwobi wants to play football and is likely to be reluctantly let go on a temporary basis.

Iwobi represented England at youth level but has been capped twice at senior level for Nigeria, his country of birth.

Blues manager Gary Rowett confirmed last week that he was ‘close` to brining a player in on loan who would have played in Saturday`s defeat against Chalrton Athletic at St. Andrew`s. It remains to be seen if Iwobi was that man.

The loan window closes on Thursday but Rowett is hopeful of an addition before then.

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