Arsenal poised to hand bumper contract extension to midfielder Alex Iwobi

Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi is reportedly in line to be handed a bumper new contract at the Emirates Stadium. The 20-year-old star has become a key part of Arsene Wenger's plans this season and is poised for another pay rise, just six months after his last contract extension.

The Nigerian signed a new deal worth £25,000-a-week ($31,000-a-week) in April, but is now in line for a further extension. The new contract offer is a reflection of his ever-increasing importance to the Arsenal cause, according to The Mirror.

Iwobi is one of the most exciting prospects to have emerged through the Arsenal Academy in recent years and the club are keen to reward his rapid improvement with a healthy contract rise. Likewise, Arsenal are also seeking to reach an agreement with Hector Bellerin, the Spanish right-back who is another academy graduate.

Last month, meanwhile, Wenger urged Iwobi to remain humble after breaking into the first team at Arsenal. "He is 20 years old, and I think he has talent, he has ambition, he has a big passion for the game and until now he has humility," the Frenchman explained to Arsenal's official website. "We have to take care that he keeps that quality, because it's an important one.

"But he has gained confidence and power. I believe as well he has a good combination between quick passing, picking players out and running with the ball. He gets that balance right, until now, and that's not easy."