With his Manchester United career stuck in limbo for the time being, the September break could hardly have come at a better time for one of Ineos’ many ambitious summer recruits.
Wonderkid centre-forward Chido Obi-Martin is not yet officially a Manchester United player.
And while he should become one at some point in the near future, there are still a lot of i’s to be dotted and t’s to be crossed before Martin can reunite with another former Arsenal starlet Hubert Graczyk at Carrington.
The 16-year-old underwent a medical with the Red Devils at the start of August, per Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
He also turned down the chance to follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho and co in Germany, opting for Man United despite being offered a greater financial proposal by The Gunners too.
Clearly, despite some claims to the contrary, Martin’s switch was not financially motivated.
Manchester United to sign Arsenal starlet Chido Obi-Martin
The teenager continues to train alone, however. Man United and Arsenal are yet to agree on a fee, with one maybe having to be decided via a tribunal.
Until then, Martin’s only action will come in the colours of Denmark.
Last season’s Premier League Under 18 Golden Boot winner – rumoured to have been offered the role of third-choice striker at Old Trafford – has been called up to Denmark’s U18 squad and to face Scandinavian neighbours Norway this month.
Morten Eskesen, meanwhile, believes it is ‘only a matter of time’ before Martin’s new club is finally confirmed.
Until then, he wants to see Martin take his prolific club form onto the international stage, having ended the 2023/24 campaign with 28 goals in his final nine league matches for Arsenal’s youngsters.
“I spoke to him last week and asked him if he was fit for the fight and injury-free,” Eskesen tells Tipsbladet. “He was – and is – in between jobs. Right now, he doesn’t have a club, but it’s only a matter of time (before he does).
“A lot happens in the transfer window. We know what he stands for. He has scored a lot of goals.”
Eskesen appears to suggest that it is not a done deal that Man United will secure his signature. But a quick glance at Obi-Martin’s social media activity – ‘liking’ countless Red Devils Instagram posts in the last few weeks – means it would be a massive surprise if the former Kjobenhavns Boldklub starlet is not donning a United shirt once a deal can be agreed.
Prolific striker expected to arrive at Carrington
“When I read about him, they have been queuing up to get him. I’m sure a man with that talent will have no trouble finding a club,” adds Eskesen. “It might be more about which club he chooses.
“His greatest quality is that he scores many goals. If you saw some of the goals at the (Under 17) European Championships, he’s a really good finisher.
“He is also good one-on-one. He is good at running in behind and getting into positions. His finishing skills are what allow him to score so many goals. One (thing) is to get the chances. Number two is to score.
“There, he is above average and that is what makes him so interesting.”
Martin was included in the Team of the Tournament for this year’s Under 17 Euros.
He will become the latest rising star to join Man United in the Ineos era, following in the footsteps of Graczyk, Samuel Lusale and Sekou Kone amongst others.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
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