MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 19:52:16| >> :60:3269:3269:

Man United 'in talks' to sign 32-goal striker after Arsenal rejection

Mission failed? Striker sensation 'rejects' Arsenal and enters talks with rivals
© Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly in talks to sign 16-year-old attacking sensation Chido Obi Martin, who has turned down the chance to sign a new Arsenal deal.

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.

Arsenal's Chido Obi pictured in March 2024© Imago

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

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on May 25, 2024 (IMAGO)© Imago

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.

ID:548575:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5378:

Click here for more stories about Chido Obi Martin

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta before the match on March 4, 2024
Read Next:
Not giving up: Arsenal 'make improved offer' to 32-goal striker
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!