Chido Obi could be set for a temporary change of clubs in the January transfer window as Manchester United assess the striker’s options.
It’s been almost a year and a half since Obi decided to leave Arsenal in favour of joining Manchester United as a free agent.
The former Arsenal academy star signed for the Red Devils, which caused quite a stir among fans after his incredible scoring form at Hale End.
Arsenal wanted to keep Obi, but his mind was made up, having envisioned a clearer pathway to the first team at Old Trafford than at the Emirates.
While the Dane made his Premier League debut under Ruben Amorim, Man United’s latest decision is telling of where he’s at.
Manchester United are ready to send Chido Obi on loan
Amorim is a huge fan of Obi, but it’s become clear that, perhaps, the Man United manager isn’t convinced that he’s ready for first-team football in the Premier League.
A report from The Sun has revealed that United are now ‘open’ to sending the 18-year-old out on loan in January to get more minutes.
A loan in the ‘EFL or National League’ could be on the cards for Obi, who has only played in United’s academy so far this season.
United have decided that a step down to get a better chance of earning minutes is the right pathway for Obi, a call that won’t surprise anyone at Arsenal.
Arsenal won’t be surprised by Man United’s decision with Obi
Ayden Heaven also left Arsenal for United, having seen himself in Amorim’s squad; however, The Sun revealed that the defender is also ‘likely to be assessed’ in January.
The two players saw a quicker pathway to the first team at United than at Arsenal, but now, their careers are taking a detour.
Do you think Chido Obi would’ve made it at Arsenal?
How do you feel about Chido Obi’s exit? Did he make the right call by joining Manchester United? We want to hear your thoughts.
It won’t surprise Arsenal, as at the point of Obi’s departure, the Daily Mail reported that the striker ‘had doubts’ about what level he’d play at Arsenal, with a plan in the U18 and U21 mapped out, but not necessarily the first team just yet.
Such paints the picture that the Gunners were aware that first-team football for the teenager wasn’t on the horizon, leading to his exit, and now, he’s found himself in the same situation at United.
Leaving on loan to play below the Premier League isn’t a bad thing, as Obi needs to develop so early in his career, but it only reinforces that Arsenal’s view on his journey was correct.
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