EXCLUSIVE: Arteta plots first-team plan for Obi-Martin to fend off Real Madrid and PSG

Steve Kay

• Updated: 3 May 2024 10:37 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal will integrate teenage sensation Chido Obi-Martin to their first-team squad for their pre-season tour of the USA in a bid to fend off interest from the likes of Real Madrid and PSG in the sensational young striker.

FootballTransfers has been informed by sources that the Gunners are fighting to retain the forward, who is only 16 years old, and Mikel Arteta is so taken by the player that he wants to integrate him into the first-team squad.

This move reflects his outstanding achievements with the Arsenal U18 side but more pertinently shows the teenager that the Emirates boss has him in his plans for the future.

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Arsenal are unable to tie the young Dane down to a professional contract until he turns 17, which won’t be until November.

Obi-Martin has been in electric form for the Gunners’ youngsters this season. He sprung to the attention of Arsenal fans by netting seven times in single fixture against Norwich, but he has already produced four four-goal hauls this term.

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Real Madrid and PSG want Arsenal youngster

Such scoring power has attracted the attention of numerous major clubs around Europe, with FootballTransfers informed that Real Madrid and PSG are among the teams who are monitoring the teenager.

And Arsenal are well placed to retain Obi-Martin’s talents.

The teen has signed up with the agency that looks after Gunners star Bukayo Saka, as well as Jadon Sancho, while he has previously expressed his desire to have an extended stay at the club.

“I would like to stay at Arsenal for a long time," Obi-Martin told bold.DK earlier this month. "It's a good club, I can feel that I'm getting much better in training. There are a lot of good people and good coaches, so I'm really happy to be there.

“Maybe I will have to play permanently at U21 from next season. There aren't that many strikers in the squad so it will be a good opportunity for me. Arsenal is a club that gives young talents the opportunity to play.”

Obi-Martin, it seems, is at Arsenal to stay.