Jason Wilcox credited with key role in Manchester United move for Chido Obi-Martin, second raid on Arsenal possible

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Manchester United are favourites to secure a deal for Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin.

Chido Obi-Martin is one of the most highly rated young strikers in European football. Last season at the age of just 16, he set a Premier League under-18s record by scoring 32 goals in 19 matches for Arsenal.

Now, Chido Obi-Martin is set to leave Arsenal and is looking at a move to Manchester United.

Obi-Martin would become a standout prospect at United, even at a club with a strong array of talented youth strikers right now.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Jason Wilcox leads Chido Obi-Martin move

News of Manchester United’s move for Chido Obi-Martin broke late last week, with the young striker visiting Carrington.

Days prior to this, All Nigeria Soccer had reported that Obi-Martin was approaching a decision on his future, expected to leave Arsenal.

Obi-Martin is a Denmark youth international, although also eligible to represent England and Nigeria.

A new update from All Nigeria Soccer sheds new light on Obi-Martin’s future and the role of Manchester United technical director Jason Wilcox.

The report states: “Everything points to the fact that Obi-Martin will join Manchester United as Jason Wilcox, their technical director, is using his strong ties to the striker’s camp to facilitate the transfer.”

United hired Wilcox from Southampton, where he was sporting director, and part of his key remit was signing young players.

Prior to this, Wilcox was head of academy at Manchester City, and has great connections across youth football.

Combine this with new head of recruitment Christopher Vivell, the man who led negotiations for Red Bull Salzburg to sign Erling Haaland, and it’s clear United have the right leadership in place to potentially pull off a deal like this.

United are also investing £50 million in renovating Carrington into becoming one of the best facilities in Europe. All the pieces are in place to convince Obi-Martin to choose United – although no deal is yet complete.

Manchester United hold interest in Owen Asemota

Included in the report from ANS, Arsenal have also failed to retain the services of promising youth goalkeeper Owen Asemota.

Manchester United are keen on signing Asemota, although face competition from City, Tottenham, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Asemota, 16, played three matches for Arsenal’s under-18 side last season, but like Obi-Martin, he has not signed scholarship terms with the Gunners.

The strength of United’s interest is unclear, it’s not believed to be prioritised in the same way Obi-Martin’s move is, but this could also be one to watch.