Arsenal have rejected a £30m bid from Everton for midfielder Alex Iwobi, according to reports.
The 23-year-old is under contract at the Emirates until 2022 and made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring three goals and assisting seven.
Marco Silva’s side had prioritised a move for Wilfried Zaha, but Crystal Palace are demanding £100m for their star player.
Palace had received an offer from Everton of £70m plus James McCarthy and a season-long loan deal for Cenk Tosun, but that was rejected.
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Everton are now seeking alternatives and Metro UK claims that Iwobi has been targeted by the Toffees.
The report claims that Arsenal have been offered £25m upfront with a further £5m in add-ons.
But Everton’s bid has been rejected by Arsenal.
However, SkySports news reports that its sources understand Everton are expected to return with an improved offer before the transfer window closes at 5pm on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Everton have ended efforts to sign Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
It is understood Everton are now considering alternative targets after their second bid of £36.7m was turned down on Tuesday.
Yetunde Adegoke
