Former Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin has now completed and confirmed his move to Manchester United.
The prolific teenage striker was understood to have agreed a deal with the Red Devils earlier this summer, having seen his schoolboy terms at Arsenal expire and rejected the chance to become a scholar.
However, as with every move that sees a player leave one Category One academy for another, the signing was subject to a rigorous five-step review process from the Premier League.
Such a process was reported to have concluded last week, with United getting the green light to complete the deal.
Reports then claimed on Friday that Obi-Martin - who also attracted interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund - had signed his contract at Old Trafford ahead of an official announcement.
The 16-year-old has now confirmed the move himself, posting pictures on social media of him penning the deal along with the message: “I’m very happy to sign with Man United, an amazing club. It’s now time to focus and achieve all my dreams. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far.”
The signing of Obi-Martin will be seen as a coup for United, with the Danish youth international - who is also eligible to represent England and Nigeria - having made repeated headlines with his remarkable scoring exploits at academy level with Arsenal.
Very happy to sign with this amazing club, time to focus and achieve all my dreams. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far. @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/gk5KHnlCel
— Chidozie Obi-Martin (@chido_obi) October 5, 2024
He scored 10 goals in a single match for the Gunners’ Under-16 team in a 14-3 thrashing of Liverpool last October, before later netting seven for Arsenal’s U18s in a 9-0 drubbing of Norwich.
He scored 32 times in total after being promoted to the U18s last term, a sensational run that included 29 strikes in his last 11 appearances.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Arsenal for the past four years,” Obi-Martin wrote on social media earlier this summer.
“The experiences and growth I’ve achieved here have been truly invaluable. A special thanks to the coaches, staff, and team-mates at Hale End.
“The memories made will always be remembered. I wish everyone continued success and all the best for the future.”
