Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Alex Iwobi and Wojciech Szczesny Rumours

Alex Iwobi's father has insisted his son will stay at Arsenal for the foreseeable future, even if Barcelona came calling with a mega-money offer. Iwobi is content with the Gunners and developing well, according to his father.

Chuka Iwobi spoke to AfricanFootball.com (h/t Bruce Archer of the Daily Express) and explained how settled his son is in north London: "In football, you never say no. But at this point in time, he is at the right place. He’s doing well at Arsenal, but should any club come for him now, the answer would certainly be no. For him now, it’s not about the money."

Chuka maintains the younger Iwobi wouldn't even have his head turned by five-time UEFA Champions League winners and La Liga giants Barcelona: "So, should a club like Barcelona come with more money, he will certainly stay back at Arsenal because now it is not about him making money, it’s about him concentrating on his career, progressing and going on to the next stage."

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Developing is something Chuka insists Alex is doing well at Arsenal. Specifically, his lengthy history at the club would make any move tough for a player who emerged as a breakthrough ace last season: "All he has known is Arsenal. He has never gone on loan, he has always been with Arsenal. He has broken into the first team and what they all talk about is his humility. I see him being in Arsenal for very many, many years."

There's no doubt Iwobi has taken rapid strides in the past year. He broke into the starting XI late last season and was trusted by manager Arsene Wenger for many big matches.

In fact, Wenger handed Iwobi a surprise start against Barca in last season's Champions League. He also made him a part of his best Premier League first team.

The reward for Wenger's patience has been Iwobi's ability to play between the lines. He's an intelligent touch player with gifted feet who can shift the ball past markers to create spaces and exchange deft passes all over the pitch.

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Iwobi's raw technique has caught the eye of many, including former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot recently identified Iwobi as a notable member of this season's Arsenal squad, per German magazine Kicker (h/t Sky Sports): "I'm impressed with the young boy Alex Iwobi."

Yet there are still aspects of Iwobi's game needing work. Wenger has called on the 20-year-old to banish his nerves in front of goal, according to David Hytner of the Guardian.

Writing for ESPN FC, Arsenal blogger Andrew Mangan believes Iwobi needs some time off to help ease the pressure and refocus him.

However, for all of the critiques of Iwobi's development, he boasts skills almost unique in this Arsenal squad. Specifically, he's got a knack for shifting the ball with a few quick touches to get space and create angles to release passes behind defensive lines.

It's an unheralded yet invaluable trait in matches where the midfield is congested. Only pint-sized midfield general Santi Cazorla offers the same level of escapist footwork.

Wenger needs to keep Iwobi at Arsenal, since the Nigerian schemer is proof of the manager's continued adherence to giving youth its chance. More important, Iwobi is becoming an increasingly useful part of how the Gunners attack and create chances.

Roma Won't Pursue Permanent Deal for Wojciech Szczesny

Arsenal's Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has been on loan in the Italian capital since 2015. But AS Roma reportedly won't make a permanent offer for Szczesny because Arsenal's price tag is deemed too high.

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Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football-Italia.net) has reported Roma deem €16 million too great a fee for Szczesny, and are ready to let him return to north London.

The report also cited Italian source Calciomercato.it which indicates Szczesny would welcome a return to Arsenal: "The Polish international is said to be keen to return to Arsenal to fight for his place, as Peter Cech is now 34, but Calciomercato.it state that Napoli could provide an alternative destination."

Szczesny's always had the talent to make the grade as Arsenal's No. 1, yet his temperament has often been questioned.

Even without those questions, it would be tough for the Pole to win back the No. 1 job with the Gunners now that Petr Cech is around. There's also Colombian stopper David Ospina, a backup Wenger still rates highly enough to trust in the Champions League.

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Szczesny was brought through the same youth ranks Iwobi later graduated from. But unlike the latter, Szczesny didn't make the most of the chances Wenger gave him.

It's why he's on loan and Iwobi is making his mark in the starting XI.