Wenger: Mature Iwobi didn't need to be loaned out

London - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has explained why Alex Iwobi was never shipped out on loan, saying the Nigerian has maturity beyond his years.

Top Premier League clubs are willing to send their rising stars out on loan to gain experience at a lesser level, but the rising Super Eagles forward went straight in the deep end.

"Everybody's career is different, the maturing phase is different for everyone," Wenger said of the 20-year-old from Lagos.

"Some stand still and then suddenly have an acceleration in the speed of their maturity which allows them to get straight into the first team.

The French coach recently spoke of his dislike for having too many players out on loan, saying that for rich clubs the "reflex is to stockpile the players".

"Some take advantage of situations where players are injured. You give them a chance and they don't need to go through the loan step because they have been given an acceleration to the first team."

Wenger's side welcome city-rivals Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium in a New Year's Day fixture as they look to keep up with pace-setters Chelsea.

Kick off is at 18:00.