Chido Obi-Martin finally seals Man Utd transfer and reveals next steps towards first-team

Manchester United has finally finalized the acquisition of former Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin, beating off competition from around Europe to win the race for the 16-year-old’s signature.

Chido Obi-Martin can now call Manchester United his own, and he’s already enjoying his time in the first squad.

Obi-Martin, 16, elected to leave Premier League rivals Arsenal this summer, with Europe’s eyes on him after breaking records left, right, and center at the Gunners’ academy. The Danish wonder scored 10 goals in Arsenal’s 14-3 triumph over Liverpool at under-16 level in November, followed by 28 goals in only 10 games for the Gunners’ U18s between March and May.

However, after rejecting down a professional deal in north London, Obi-Martin had his pick of some of Europe’s best teams. Newcastle, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund were allegedly among the big-name clubs who tried their luck before United won the contest for his services.

However, the Red Devils have had to wait weeks for his deal to become official. Negotiations were drawn out because United and Arsenal needed to agree on compensation, and the Premier League had to approve the trade.United now have their man (or boy), and he’s eager to get started. “Very happy to sign with this amazing club, time to focus and achieve all my dreams,” the former Arsenal sensation said on social media, accompanied with photos of him signing his contract and himself as a toddler wearing a counterfeit United shirt.

“Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far.”

Obi-Martin is likely to start his career at Old Trafford by playing for the United U18s. He just signed his professional contract at Carrington, the 20-time English champions’ training complex, with the goal of playing for the first squad in the near future.

Obi-Martin was born in the Danish town of Glostrup, near Copenhagen, and has represented Denmark and England at the youth international level. He did, however, play for the Danes in this year’s Euro U17 competition.United already has two senior Denmark internationals in their first-team lineup: midfielder Christian Eriksen and striker Rasmus Hojlund. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Red Devils’ new management are focusing on recruiting young players like Obi-Martin and constructing a long-term club.

None of United’s five summer additions, who cost £182 million, were beyond the age of 26. The Red Devils also signed 18-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone before the deadline, who came from Guidars in Mali and will join United’s academy.