Sixteen-year-old attacking sensation Chido Obi Martin has reportedly turned down the chance to sign a new contract with Arsenal and is now discussing a move to one of their bitter rivals.
The Denmark youth international is regarded as one of the finest attacking talents in Europe and sparked an internet frenzy when he scored 10 goals in one game against Liverpool's Under-16s.
Obi Martin continued to go from strength to strength in the Under-18 Premier League last season, netting a staggering 32 goals in just 18 games, taking home no fewer than six match balls.
The 6ft 2in striker struck seven goals in one game against Norwich City, in addition to a five-goal haul against West Ham United, while he has also struck 11 times in 18 appearances for Denmark's Under-17s.
Obi Martin's feats have naturally attracted the attention of some of Europe's most distinguished clubs, especially as Arsenal have made futile attempts to tie him down to a new contract.
Obi Martin 'in talks' over Manchester United switch
The Gunners cannot agree a professional deal with the striker until his 17th birthday in November, and they were therefore keen to tie him down to scholarship terms for the short term.
However, The Athletic reports that Obi Martin has decided to seek pastures new after his schoolboy terms with the Gunners expired, despite Arsenal believing that they had offered him a fair deal.
Instead, the 16-year-old is understood to be in talks over a transfer to Manchester United, and negotiations are in their embryonic stages after he toured the club's Carrington training facilities.
The Red Devils may have to battle both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for the teenager's signature, though, and the German duo would be able to offer him a professional contract straight away.
The report adds that a plethora of clubs have taken a liking to Obi Martin, but reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are not among them, meaning that Man United currently lead the English interest.
Obi Martin exit continues painful Arsenal transfer theme
While there is no guarantee that Man United will be successful in convincing Obi Martin to join, the 16-year-old even considering a move to Arsenal's long-time adversaries is a true punch to the Gunners gut.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, head coach Mikel Arteta was criticised for not giving academy players a chance to shine in matches that were largely inconsequential - barring Ethan Nwaneri's run-out in the crushing of West Ham United - and the Spaniard is now paying the price.
Before Obi Martin decided that North London was not the right place to advance his career, two other in talents Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry also jumped ship to Luton Town and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively.
As Arsenal are now consistently challenging for the Premier League title, it would take a true academy gem to earn promotion from the Hale End ranks now, although Obi Martin certainly has the makings of one.
The striker's main motivations for leaving remain unknown, and he could not have realistically expected a shot in the first team at just 16 years old, but seeing his more senior young stars overlooked by Arteta may have been a huge factor in his decision. body check tags ::
