Man Utd finally announce exciting Arsenal transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 5 Oct 2024 19:47 BST
3 min read

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United have finally confirmed the signing of Chi Obi-Martin from Arsenal.

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It took a while to get to this point, but the Red Devils have finally, officially signed the young striker. Obi-Martin left Arsenal after the expiration of his contract in the summer and, after plenty of speculation surrounding his future, decided to sign for Man Utd.

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund were courting him, while Arsenal were desperate to get him to agree to a contract extension, but after touring Carrington, Obi-Martin swiftly made up his mind.

The 16-year-old is coming off a 32-goal season with Arsenal's U18s and went viral several times on social media for his goalscoring exploits over the past year. In 2023, he put ten past Liverpool and he netted seven against Norwich in April.

Obi-Martin reportedly reached an agreement with Man Utd as early as July, but it took until October for the deal to finally get announced.

Man Utd sign Obi-Martin

The delay was due to the Premier League's five-step investigation process that is meant to ensure that transfers between Category One academies fulfil certain requirements.

The process took some time, as it did with Liverpool's signing of Chelsea youngster Rio Ngumoha last month, but Man Utd finally received the green light to complete the transfer on September 27.

Obi-Martin has already been spotted in the stands at Man Utd's games and now the move has been officially announced. While the Denmark youth international is expected to initially feature for the academy, Man Utd's lack of firepower this season could fast-track his integration into the senior side.

His arrival fits the new signing policy Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS allies have aimed to implement at Old Trafford. Man Utd want to bring the best young talent to Carrington and Obi-Martin is certainly one of the most highly-rated teenagers around.