Chido Obi-Martin is close to completing a sensational move to Manchester United and here is everything you need to know about the 16-year-old.
Who is Chido Obi-Martin?
Chido Obi-Martin, born on November 29, 2007, in Glostrup, a suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a Danish footballer of Nigerian descent.
He is a striker and has gained popularity after a successful two-year spell at Arsenal.
Chido Obi-Martin: Parents
His parents, hailing from the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria, instilled in him a passion for the beautiful game from a young age.
Growing up in a culturally diverse environment, his unique blend of Danish and Nigerian heritage has shaped his identity and fueled his determination to succeed in the football world.
Chido Obi-Martin has represented both Denmark and England at the youth level, but he is still eligible to represent Nigeria due to his father’s heritage.
Chido Obi-Martin - Footballing Journey
Obi-Martin's footballing journey began at local Danish club KB, where he honed his skills and developed a reputation as a prolific goal-scorer.
At the tender age of 14, he made the bold move to England, joining the esteemed Arsenal Academy. This marked the beginning of an incredible rise through the ranks, as Obi-Martin consistently impressed coaches and scouts alike with his exceptional talent.
Chido Obi-Martin - Arsenal Reserves and Youth Teams
During his time at Arsenal, Obi-Martin established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the youth teams. His stats for the Arsenal reserves and under-18 teams are nothing short of remarkable:
- 24 goals in 7 games for the under-18 team, including a 7-goal haul against Norwich City on April 27, 2024
- 10 goals in a single game against Liverpool at under-16 level on November 18, 2023
- Promoted to the under-18 side at just 15 years old, scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Southampton on September 23, 2023
- First appearance for the under-21 side at 15 years old, demonstrating his rapid progress through the academy
Chido Obi-Martin - Potential Move to Manchester United
Chido Obi: Nigerian-born star says goodbye to Arsenal, tipped to sign for Manchester United
Chido Obi-Martin has already completed his medical at Carrington and ‘broadly’ agreed on personal terms with the Red Devils. United must now negotiate a compensation fee with Arsenal for Obi-Martin, with those talks already heading towards a ‘positive conclusion’.
There is an expectation that an agreement will therefore be reached, rather than the deal going to a Premier League tribunal.
Once a fee has been agreed between United and Arsenal, the deal will then need to go through the Premier League’s ratification process due to Obi-Martin’s age.
That process could take several weeks, though the teenager will then be able to link up with his new squad. Despite being incredibly highly rated within the academy ranks, Obi-Martin will first have to prove himself to manager Erik ten Hag.
Chido Obi-Martin - Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Standing at an impressive 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches), Obi-Martin's height gives him a significant advantage on the pitch.
His aerial prowess, combined with his pace, skill, and finishing ability, makes him a formidable presence in the forward line.
Drawing comparisons to Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen, Obi-Martin's playing style is characterized by his clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and tireless work rate.
Chido Obi-Martin - Stats
Chido Obi-Martin's impressive goal-scoring record for Arsenal Under-18s last season has generated significant buzz around the young forward. He scored an astonishing 32 goals in just 18 league matches, showcasing his clinical finishing ability.
Obi-Martin's standout performances include a 10-goal haul against Liverpool Under-16s in November and five goals against West Ham United in April, followed by seven goals against Norwich City at the Under-18 level. In his final appearance for Arsenal, he scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Chelsea, leaving no doubt about his exceptional talent.
Having made his debut for Arsenal Under-21s at just 15 years old, Obi-Martin will turn 17 in November. As he prepares to join Manchester United, fans are eager to see how Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag plans to utilize him during the 2024-25 campaign.
According to Transfermarkt, ten Hag has confirmed that Obi-Martin will train with the senior squad and receive opportunities in the first team next season, providing a clear pathway for his development and integration into the team.
Chido Obi-Martin is on the cusp of becoming a football sensation
The big question on everyone's lips is: can he live up to the mounting hype? Only time will reveal the answer, but one thing is clear - this young superstar is destined for great things and we can't wait to witness his journey unfold.