The real reasoning behind Chido Obi-Martin’s decision to leave Arsenal for Premier League rivals Manchester United has become clearer.
Contrary to some reports that emerged on social media following the confirmation that the teen sensation was on his way out of the Emirates, this was not a classic case of a footballer following the money.
As Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth explains, Chido Obi-Martin’s decision was not ‘financially motivated’.
Fabrizio Romano backs up Sheth’s claims, saying that Arsenal made a ‘very important financial proposal’ of their own.
So why did arguably the most exciting striker of his age anywhere in Britain opt to take the Robin van Persie route and defect to Manchester United?
The word ‘pathway’ is a key one here.
While opportunities for academy graduates have been relatively few and far between under Mikel Arteta – the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Folarin Balogun leaving for more regular game time – it will not have gone unnoticed by Martin’s camp that Man United won the FA Cup last season with Carrington kids Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scoring at Wembley.
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Manchester United to sign Arsenal’s Chido Obi Martin
Furthermore, Romano adds that Martin – still only 16 – is not merely ‘one for the future’.
He could have a role to play in the present too, the Denmark youth star offered the opportunity to become Man United’s third-choice striker at senior level behind Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
That is quite the show of faith. Proof of Ineos’ desire to make Old Trafford a breeding ground for the game’s next generation of superstars.
“The talent is a really special one,” Romano explains via his official YouTube channel. “(Martin) did incredible things in the academy for Arsenal in terms of goals scored.
“He decided to join Manchester United. He accepted the proposal from Manchester United and we can say ‘here we go’ because Chido will join Man United.
“First of all, let me say that this kind of deal is something that now we start to see with Chido but it is something that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and all the people at the club are planning to do for the present and the future. To sign top talents.”
A stunning goalscoring return at youth level
Ratcliffe’s comments about bringing the ‘next Kylian Mbappe‘ and the ‘next Jude Bellingham’ to Manchester United have been reflected by the club’s market moves.
Zirkzee and Leny Yoro – the two big signings thus far – are aged 23 and 18 respectively. Do not be surprised, meanwhile, if Martin makes the odd appearance under Erik ten Hag in the coming months either with United obviously feeling that he will be ready soon to make the step up from youth team football.
Martin scored a staggering 32 goals for Arsenal in the Under 18 Premier League last term. A large number of those goals came in his final nine outings of the season, including a stunning seven-goal haul against Norwich City.
Martin unsurprisingly claimed the Golden Boot, finishing 11 goals clear at the top of the charts.
“United were in a big battle to sign this player because we have to be fair and say that Arsenal made a very big proposal to Chido Obi-Martin in terms also of money. A very important financial proposal,” Romano adds.
“But the decision of the player was to turn down the Arsenal proposal weeks ago to explore other options including options in Germany with top clubs in Germany. (Martin) decided to go to Manchester United because of a project the project
“Chido Obi Martin will be considered the third striker at Manchester United. So the idea is to have a player who can be obviously for the Academy but also helpful for the first team.”
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