Arsenal starlet Alex Iwobi is in line for a bumper pay rise following his rapid rise to prominence.
The Nigeria international only penned his current £25,000-per-week deal in April.
But having established himself as a vital part of Arsene Wenger’s starting XI, the 20-year-old is in line for another extension which will represent his new status in the club’s first-team plans.
Alex Iwobi (centre) has become an integral part of Arsenal's starting XI this season
The Nigeria international is in line for a second pay rise in the space of a year
IWOBI LEAGUE STATS 16/17
Appearances: 5
Goals: 0
Shot accuracy: 33 per cent
Chances created: 7
Pass accuracy: 86 per cent
Duels won: 58 per cent
Red/yellow cards: 1/0
Iwobi will double his current wage and can expect another deal if his rapid rise continues.
Having broken into the Gunners team midway through last season, Iwobi has taken his game to the next level over the past six months.
Wenger expected to use the youngster intermittently during this season, particularly with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain vying for the attacking midfield roles.
But after a hugely impressive pre-season that left his team-mates stunned, Wenger now views Iwobi as one of the key members of his first-choice starting XI.
The Gunners are also trying to tie down young right-back Hector Bellerin to fresh terms to prevent him from returning to Barcelona.
The Gunners have made contact with the right-back’s representatives with formal talks scheduled for later this month.
Bellerin still have three years to run on his existing deal, but the Gunners want to offer him a two year extension.
The 21-year-old is emerging as one of the best young right-backs in Europe and the Gunners want to reward him with a deal that represents his status.
Bellerin currently earns around £30,000-per-week – but he can expect a hefty pay rise.
Arsenal want to extend Hector Bellerin's contract amid interest from his former club Barcelona
Arsenal hope to fend of growing interest in Bellerin from the defender’s boyhood club Barcelona, while Manchester City also have a concrete interest.
Indeed, City are understood to have enquired about Bellerin in the summer but were told in no uncertain terms he was not for sale.
That will not stop the City and Barca in trying to sign Bellerin in the future, but Arsenal are hopeful they can get a deal over the line.
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