EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal told Obi-Martin to leave after Man Utd target requested more money

Steve Kay

• 21 Jul 2024 15:30 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal academy graduate Chido Obi-Martin was asked to leave the club after turning down a proposal for a new deal, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The 16-year-old was pictured visiting Manchester United's training complex Carrington this week and it's believed that the club are in talks over a deal for him.

We are told that Gunners offered what was to have been deemed a fair deal, however, Obi-Martin’s representatives, which included his family, were keen to negotiate a better contract, believing his potential warranted improved terms.

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In response, Arsenal maintained their firm stance and, reflecting their internal policy that any player who is open to leaving is essentially not wanted, instructed Obi-Martin’s camp to find another club.

Sources inform us that Arsenal were optimistic about retaining the young Dane after he recently signed with the Elite Project Group agency—a firm representing several current and former Arsenal players such as Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Alex Iwobi, Folarin Balogun, and Chuba Akpom—it appears external influences have steered the player in a different direction.

For the 2023-2024 season, Chido Obi-Martin made 16 appearances for the academy where he scored 28 goals.

Germany interest in Obi-Martin

His impressive performance did not go unnoticed, attracting interest from top clubs across Europe which included Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Following the breakdown in negotiations with Arsenal, Obi-Martin visited Man Utd, who are now pushing to sign the young forward.

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FootballTransfers reported earlier this window that both the Bundesliga sides have held direct talks with the family and representatives of the teenager.

At the time. we were told that family members of the player believe a switch to Germany would be beneficial for him. as clubs there tend to offer more game-time and have a better developmental path than sides in England, particularly the Premier League.