Manchester United are taking active steps to avoid delay in getting their third signing of the transfer window through the pipeline.
Chido Obi-Martin‘s prospective move to United is unlike many other academy signings due to his remarkable goalscoring record at the academy level.
He has been tipped as one of the biggest talents coming through the youth system so his signing comes as a huge coup for United.
Ineos are making a concerted effort to create effectively a “wonderkid XI” at the club and Obi-Martin is expected to be the crown jewel addition, sooner than expected due to United’s latest steps.
Man Utd proactive in Chido Obi-Martin talks
Generally, when a youth player leaves his club without signing professional terms at the expiry of his youth contract, the process of moving clubs takes a long time.
That is because even if the player is technically a free agent, the selling club is entitled to compensation for bringing the player through the ranks.
A tribunal decides the fee in that case, a process more time-consuming and cumbersome than general transfer negotiations.
However, United are trying to avoid the hassle by being proactive as the player has already agreed on personal terms and undergone a medical.
The Athletic reports that United are in direct talks with Arsenal to secure an agreement over the compensation fee for the forward.
If an agreement is reached, Premier League’s intervention won’t be needed and the player can join simply a transfer from another club.
It is not yet clear how far along those talks are, but if United have entered into talks, it must be with a belief that they can reach an agreement sooner than if the league stepped in.
It is worth noting that Obi-Martin has already said his goodbyes to Arsenal, so it would be in their best interest to do a deal that’s mutually beneficial.
Being difficult to deal with in this case could send the wrong message to players in the academy who try to take their own path instead of signing with Arsenal.
Theme of the window
For United, it continues the theme of the window where, despite being bogged down by financial concerns, they continue to be proactive in the market.
Be it beating rivals to signings or walking away from deals when they deem the price unrealistic, there has been a sense of decisiveness in their moves.
Trying to strike an agreement in this case when his case was already a matter of when, and not if, speaks volumes about the club’s ambition now.
They want to get their academy crown jewel through the door as quickly as possible, especially if reports of Obi-Martin being promised some first-team action this season are true.
Even if he starts off with the U18s or U21s, Obi-Martin’s Man United debut pathway is clear and it would be a surprise if he didn’t have a senior appearance by the end of the season.
The player would undoubtedly also appreciate United taking active steps so he can resume doing what he loves to do- playing football competitively.
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