by Former Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin has now finalized and confirmed his move to Manchester United.
The prolific teenage striker reportedly agreed a deal with the Red Devils earlier this summer, after seeing his schoolboy terms at Arsenal expire and rejecting the opportunity to become an academic.
However, as with every decision that sees a player leave one Category 1 academy for another, the signing was subject to a rigorous five-stage review process by the Premier League.
Such a process was reportedly concluded last week, with United given the green light to finalize the deal.
Reports then claimed on Friday that Obi-Martin – who had also attracted interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund – had signed his contract at Old Trafford ahead of an official announcement.
The 16-year-old himself confirmed the move, posting photos of himself signing the deal on social media with the message: “I’m very happy to sign with Man United, an incredible club. He’s now time to focus and make all my dreams come true. Thanks to everyone who helped me get here.
Obi-Martin’s signing will be seen as a coup for United, with the Danish junior international – who is also eligible to represent England and Nigeria – having repeatedly hit the headlines with his remarkable exploits at academic level with Arsenal.
He scored 10 goals in a single match for the Gunners’ under-16 team in a 14-3 defeat to Liverpool last October, before scoring seven for Arsenal’s U18s in a 9-0 thrashing of Norwich.
He scored 32 times in total after being promoted to the U18s last season, a sensational run which included 29 goals in his last 11 appearances.
“I would like to express my sincerest thanks to everyone at Arsenal over the last four years,” Obi-Martin wrote on social media earlier this summer.
“The experiences and growth I have had here have been truly invaluable. A special thank you to the Hale End coaches, staff and teammates.
“The memories created will always be remembered. I wish everyone success and all the best for the future.
