David Ornstein has revealed that one of the best young players in the world is on the verge of leaving Arsenal this summer.
The Gunners have built a fantastic youth setup over the years.
Hale End has always been the home to exceptional talents, and Per Mertesacker has taken the academy to a whole new level since he took charge.
One Arsenal youngster has made more noise over the last year than anyone else in the club’s academy. Unfortunately for the Gunners, he could be on his way out now.
The sad news for Arsenal fans is that he could end up at Manchester United.
David Ornstein says Chido Obi-Martin has decided to leave Arsenal
Chido Obi-Martin is one of Arsenal’s brightest talents.
The 16-year-old made a fantastic name for himself in the 2023/24 season. He broke all sorts of records at Arsenal, including the one held by Folarin Balogun for most goals scored for the U18s in a single campaign.
Obi-Martin scored a staggering 32 goals in 18 appearances in the U18 Premier League last season. That is an outrageous return, and a number of big clubs across Europe have had an eye on him.
Reports have claimed that Real Madrid are interested in signing Obi-Martin, while German giants Bayern Munich have been chasing Obi-Martin too.
After seeing their initial proposal get rejected, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arsenal made an improved offer to keep Obi-Martin at the club, but it looks like that has failed as well.
David Ornstein revealed on Friday night that Obi-Martin has ‘decided to move on’ even though Arsenal made what they felt was a ‘fair offer’ to keep him at the club.
The journalist also confirmed reports that Obi-Martin is in talks to join Manchester United and has visited their training facility in Carrington recently. However, those discussions are said to be at an early stage at the moment.
Ornstein tweeted: “Man Utd exploring deal to sign Chido Obi-Martin after Arsenal terms expired. #AFC made what felt was fair offer but youth striker decided to move on.
“16yo visited #MUFC this week – discussions at early stage + others (not #MCFC) also keen.”
Why Arsenal deserve zero criticism if Obi-Martin leaves
Arsenal signed Obi-Martin from Danish side KB in 2022 when nobody had really heard of him.
The teenager impressed almost immediately, and despite his young age, Arsenal gave him opportunities in the U18s and even the U21s side.
Arsenal have been in talks to keep Obi-Martin at the club for several months now and even decided to increase their original proposal to keep hold of him.
We think the Gunners have done everything they can, and the pathway to the first team for a prolific striker is there for everyone to see.
If Obi-Martin still decides to leave, it’s on him and not Arsenal. The Gunners deserve zero criticism if they lose him this summer.
