Arsenal face a problem as young striking sensation Chido Obi-Martin is yet to sign scholarship terms at the club.
Chido Obi-Martin is one of the best attackers the Hale End Academy has seen, and he broke Folarin Balogun’s Arsenal youth scoring record with an astonishing 32 strikes in 18 league games for the under-18s last season.
Bayern Munich have been linked with the Arsenal starlet, but Mikel Arteta has personally stepped in to try and convince the 16-year-old to stay.
Recent rumours have suggested that Obi-Martin has visited Manchester United over a potential move, whilst it was also claimed that an important factor for his future decision is what a pathway to first-team action will look like.
If Obi-Martin wants to maximise his potential, then he should sign a deal at Arsenal rather than completing a controversial move to Manchester United.
Why Arsenal is a better place for Chido Obi-Martin’s development than Man United
Arsenal and Man United were levels apart on the pitch last season, with Arteta’s side challenging for the title whilst United struggled before finishing in eighth.
Arteta’s side are being led by Arsenal academy graduate Bukayo Saka, whilst Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe were also in and around the first-team.
Obi-Martin is talented enough that if he is patient, he could follow Saka’s path to first-team action. Other youngsters have not made it in recent years, with Reuell Walters choosing to depart this summer, but when a player is of a high enough talent level, Arteta has shown a willingness to give them a chance.
Arteta convinced Ethan Nwaneri to stay last year, having made the midfielder the youngest Premier League player ever, and also brought him on as a substitute against West Ham in February. Despite his age, Arteta was willing to create a pathway for him, and this is something he may not get at Man United.
Arsenal have clearer striker pathway than Man United
Young striker Mika Biereth was sold this summer despite an impressive loan spell, and Eddie Nketiah has also been linked with a move away.
Arsenal’s striker options are Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, and with Balogun also leaving last year, the opportunity is there for Obi-Martin to make himself the main prospect in that position in and around the first team.
Meanwhile, Man United signed Rasmus Hojlund last year, who has only just turned 21, and have also just signed 23-year-old attacker Joshua Zirkzee for the centre-forward position. These are two long-term options, and they also have top prospect Ethan Wheatley coming through the ranks.
If it comes down to a choice between the two clubs, the decision should be a no-brainer for Obi-Martin. He has a path to action if he is patient at Arsenal, and the opportunity may not be given to him if he goes to United.
Arteta has shown that he can get the best out of any attacker, with Havertz completing a remarkable turnaround to thrive upfront. At United, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho should serve as two examples of wonderkids who have lost their way at Old Trafford.
Obi-Martin’s development is best placed at Arsenal without completing a high-profile and controversial move, and if he continues his form, it may only be a matter of time before he gets an opportunity with Arteta.
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