Everton boss Marco Silva says Alex Iwobi was one of the club’s “main targets” after the midfielder moved to Goodison Park in a £35million switch from Arsenal on deadline day.

The Merseyside outfit were chasing Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha for much of the summer window but they were unable to get a deal over the line and he ended up remaining at Selhurst Park. Iwobi is one of seven new permanent signings at Everton this summer, while the club also moved to bring in Djibril Sidibe on loan from Monaco.

Everton are 5.00 to claim a top-six finish this season and 17.00 to finish in the top four. It has been suggested Iwobi was an alternative target for Everton although Silva insists the Nigeria international was always on his shopping list.

“Alex was one of our main targets for this window and I believe he is a fantastic signing for Everton,” said Silva, as reported by Sky Sports.

“He is a direct and skillful winger and attacking midfielder, who always works very hard for his team. “He is still young but already with a lot of top-level experience – 100 Premier League matches, more in Europe and many international games.”

Everton begin the new Premier League season at Crystal Palace on Saturday. However, Iwobi may have to wait for his debut after only just joining the club.

Silva’s men are 2.40 to pick up all three points in the opening round of fixtures, a win for Palace is available at 3.10 and the draw is 3.20.