Transfer pain for Arsenal as Man Utd agree deal to sign striker

Manchester United have struck a deal to sign highly-rated striker Chido Obi-Martin following his departure from Arsenal, according to reports.

Arsenal confirmed last week that Obi-Martin had left the club after rejecting a contract offer from the Gunners.

The 16-year-old striker was regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Arsenal youth ranks, scoring 32 goals for the club last season – including 10 in one game against Liverpool.

Arsenal wanted to keep hold of the teenager and were surprised he decided to leave after being offered a deal they believed to be ‘fair’.

Several clubs across Europe expressed interest in signing Obi-Martin, including German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

But Manchester United met with the player’s representatives last week and have now agreed a deal to bring him to Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It is claimed Obi-Martin agreed to join the Red Devils after being convinced that the Manchester club would offer him the best pathway going forward.

His impending move to United will further frustrate Arsenal fans, who saw Obi-Martin train with the first-team last season and feature for the U21 side in the UEFA Youth League.

Born just outside Copenhagen, Obi-Martin has played for the youth teams of both Denmark and England.

Speaking last week, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reiterated his desire to see academy players come through during his tenure.

Under the Dutchman, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Ethan Wheatley and Toby Collyer have been given chances at the Theatre of Dreams.

Collyer, 20, was even handed the captain’s armband for the second-half of Manchester United’s recent pre-season friendly against Norwegian outfit Rosenborg.

‘You know me, I always want to make pathways for young players but they have to earn it,’ Ten Hag said.

‘He’s now earned an opportunity. Today he was in the starting XI, that’s something, and we see how we can progress.

‘We saw last year with [Alejandro] Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo what can happen, so the pathway is also open for other players and Toby is there.’

Manchester United finished just eighth in the Premier League last season, six places and 29 points behind runners-up Arsenal.