1
INEOS are not only focusing on the first team but also have eyes on the famed Manchester United academy with plenty of incomings and outgoings planned.
Shola Shoretire has already confirmed his departure while Joe Hugill, the goalscorer against Rangers in an earlier pre-season friendly, has also left temporarily.
With Charlie McNeill also moving on to pastures new, there is space for an emerging forward in the academy ranks and recent reports have indicated that the Red Devils are among the teams eyeing Arsenal’s brightest academy jewel Chido Obi-Martin.
Football Insider have claimed that United will have to fend off interest from all the big-hitters in the Bundesliga like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund to seal the deal.
Plenty of interest
According to the report, the Red Devils’ offer is a “magnificent” one and they are in the hot seat with the player able to sign professional terms once he turns 17 on 29th November.
“Man United and Bayern Munich are among the clubs who have tabled contract offers for Chido Obi-Martin, sources have told Football Insider.
“The 16-year-old is currently weighing up his options after confirming his Arsenal exit. Borussia Dortmund have also joined the race to try and sign the teenage sensation as Europe’s elite intensify their interest.
“Sources claim that United have provided a ‘magnificent’ offer, and it remains possible he will sign professional terms with the 20-time champions when he turns 17 on 29th November. With two top German outfits also interested in him, Obi-Martin has plenty to consider.”
The 16-year-old striker announced recently that he has left the Gunners with plenty on social media criticising the Denmark U17 international and terming the departure as based on monetary reasons instead of sporting ones.
Told Chido Obi-Martin’s departure from Arsenal not financially motivated decision. Contract agreed but doubts over pathway into first team & club’s project. Feels career best served at new club. Manchester United in talks. Strong competition from clubs in Germany. #AFC #MUFC
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 30, 2024
Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has cleared the air and revealed that the youngster was seeking a proper pathway to the first team and he did not get assurances over from the club and Mikel Arteta leading.
“Told Chido Obi-Martin’s departure from Arsenal not financially motivated decision. Contract agreed but doubts over pathway into first team & club’s project.
Decision to leave not based on money
“Feels career best served at new club. Manchester United in talks. Strong competition from clubs in Germany,” the reporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
United should not relent in their efforts to land the wonderkid. He gained prominence after scoring an incredible 10 goals against Liverpool U-16 in a 14-3 demolition.
Obi-Martin had made his debut for the Arsenal U21 side at the age of 15, impressing Arteta who even called him up for first team training.
It is a huge blow for the North London side and United’s capture would make it even more painful for them. The player now has to decide with United trying to agree the agent commision fees.
His agent is asking for €2 million, something United have not agreed to. “There is still a problem with the advisor’s commission, heard about €2 million,” journalist Christopher Michel revealed on X.
Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
