Manchester United are seemingly on the verge of confirming a deal for Chido Obi Martin, with the 16-year-old set to arrive at Old Trafford this summer following his exit from Arsenal.
Obi Martin posted some incredible numbers in the Under-18 Premier League for Arsenal Under-18s during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 32 goals and registering three assists in 18 appearances.
The forward scored three times against Southampton last September to get off the mark at that level, but his form towards the end of last season was nothing short of extraordinary.
Indeed, the attacker managed 28 goals in his last nine games of last term, including five against West Ham United in April and seven against Norwich City in the same month.
Obi Martin ended his 2023-24 campaign with a treble against Chelsea on May 11, while he hit the headlines last November by scoring 10 goals for Arsenal Under-16s against Liverpool Under-16s.
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Why Man United fans will be excited about Obi Martin's arrival
There are plenty of examples throughout history of players having brilliant records at youth level but finding it difficult to make the transition into senior action.
However, Obi Martin's scoring form for Arsenal last season was seriously impressive, and it is a real blow for the Gunners that they were unable to convince him to stay.
The forward is believed to have had serious doubts over his route into the first team, but Man United head coach Erik ten Hag has allegedly told him that he will be the club's third-choice striker in 2024-25.
Man United's offer to Obi Martin is thought to have been far from the most lucrative, but the teenager was attracted by the project at Old Trafford, with the 20-time English champions entering a new era under the leadership of minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
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Obi Martin ended last season in incredible fashion
As mentioned, Obi Martin hit five against West Ham and seven against Norwich towards the end of last season, but he also managed four against both Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Obi Martin also featured twice for Arsenal Under-21s in Premier League 2, taking to the field against both Brighton & Hove Albion and Middlesbrough.
The forward trained with the Arsenal first team towards the end of last year, but he was not considered for a first-team appearance, with the Gunners chasing major silverware.
Had Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta used Obi Martin last term, then the youngster may have decided to pen another deal at the Emirates Stadium, but the capital outfit have now lost their brightest prospect.
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When will Man United sign Obi Martin?
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Obi Martin completed the first part of his Man United medical on Tuesday, but an announcement could take some time.
Indeed, the deal is subject to the Premier League five-step investigation, which takes place when an academy player switches between two Category One academies.
It is understood that the full process can take around 25 days to be completed, but it is unclear when it began, so an announcement may arrive over the next couple of weeks.
Rasmus Hojlund's hamstring issue, which will keep him out until the middle of September, could open the door for Obi Martin to be involved with the Man United first team in the early stages of the new season, and it will be fascinating to see how the talented teenager's career develops in the coming years.
Matt Law
