Chido Obi-Martin: Contract loophole threatens to snatch away Arsenal wonderkid who scored 10 goals vs Liverpool
Arsenal could lose 16-year-old prodigy Chido Obi-Martin, with European clubs showing interest after his impressive goal-scoring performances.
The young forward made headlines by scoring seven goals against Norwich under-18s last weekend, adding to the ten he scored against Liverpool’s youth side earlier in the season, attracting attention from clubs abroad.
Due to differences in regulations between England and other European countries regarding dual-nationality teenagers, Bayern Munich and other clubs can offer Obi-Martin professional terms before Arsenal have the chance to secure him to a new contract.
While Obi-Martin can only sign a professional contract with Arsenal in November when he turns 17, this restriction doesn’t apply in countries like Germany, where he has drawn interest.
Arsenal U-16 beat Liverpool’s 14-3 with this particular boy scoring 10 of the goals 😂😂😂
— Ibrahim Carab (@iBraa_Afc) November 18, 2023
Chido Obi-Martin is the name. Remember pic.twitter.com/Xo9MiTkx3R
Obi-Martin has represented both England and Denmark at the youth international level, and Arsenal is hopeful of retaining him.
However, due to FA rules, Arsenal must wait until November to offer him a professional contract, despite already being in negotiations with his representatives.
Post-Brexit, English Premier League players with EU passports can move to EU clubs for FIFA stipulated compensation, which is considerably cheaper than tribunal fees settled between English clubs.
This compensation is paid to a player’s original club on every move until the season they turn 22.
Recently, Obi-Martin joined a talent representation group that facilitated Jadon Sancho’s move from Manchester City to Borussia Dortmund at the age of 17, sparking concerns of an early move abroad for one of Arsenal’s brightest talents.
Nevertheless, Arsenal will find encouragement in Obi-Martin’s recent comments expressing his commitment to the club and his appreciation for the development pathway to the first team.
Chido Obi-Martin scored 10 goals for Arsenal Under-16s against Liverpool U16s today in a 14-3 win. 💫
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) November 18, 2023
Obi-Martin has already trained with Mikel Arteta's first team and is eligible to represent Denmark, England and Nigeria. 🇩🇰 🏴 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/THIkFvT9u7
He highlighted the examples of academy products like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, and Eddie Nketiah, who have successfully transitioned to the senior team.
“I would like to stay at Arsenal for a long time,” Obi-Martin told Danish outlet Bold. “It’s a good club, and I can feel that I’m improving a lot in training. There are many good people and coaches here, so I’m really happy to be here. Perhaps I will have to play regularly for the U21 team from next season. There aren’t many strikers in the squad, so it will be a good opportunity for me. Arsenal is a club that gives young talents the chance to play.”
Chido Obi-Martin: Contract loophole threatens to snatch away Arsenal wonderkid who scored 10 goals vs Liverpool
