EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal confident over Obi-Martin deal but family push for Bundesliga move

Steve Kay

• Updated: 14 Jun 2024 05:45 CDT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal face stern competition with Bundesliga sides Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund if they are to keep hold of wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin.

FootballTransfers can confirm that both Bundesliga sides have held direct talks with the family and representatives of the 16-year-old striker, who hit the headlines during the 2023/24 season as he scored 10 goals in a single game for the club’s U16 side against Liverpool.

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Arsenal, who saw him net a record 32 times for the U18 side last term, have also held talks over giving the teen sensation a new deal. They have crucially outlined their plans for the future with the player and for the moment are confident in the position that they have taken up.

Despite this, there is a very real possibility that Obi-Martin follows in the footsteps of the likes of Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho to continue his development in the Bundesliga.

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Family pushing for Bundesliga move

A source close to the story has indicated to FootballTransfers that the family members of the player believe a switch to Germany would be beneficial for him. Those close to him think that the Bundesliga is better suited to developing young players, which is in line with a general belief in the player’s native Denmark.

Meanwhile, Arsenal academy manager Jack Wilshere has also spoken to Martin, advocating for the Gunners as the best choice for the young prodigy.

Essentially, it’s a contest between his family’s preference for Germany and Arsenal's pitch for his future.

Arsenal are seeking to sign the youngster on a scholarship deal but are preparing a professional contract for him which could be signed on his 17th birthday in November.

Obi-Martin has already featured for Arsenal all the way up to U21 level, with the next step being progression into Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans.