Face-to-face talks between Chido Martin Obi and Mikel Arteta have increased confidence that the young striker will sign a new deal with Arsenal, according to a report.
Chido Obi-Martin celebrating a hat-trick for the Arsenal u18s (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Academy Scoop report that Mikel Arteta has held face-to-face talks with Chido Martin Obi to discuss his future at Arsenal.
Despite fears that the striker could opt to leave the club, with advanced interest from Bayern Munich, there is increasing internal confidence that Arsenal will now secure a new deal with Martin Obi.
A decision and announcement is reportedly expected soon.
Chido Obi-Martin celebrates a goal for the Arsenal u18s (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Arsenal reportedly made an improved offer to Martin Obi last week, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Arteta was pushing for the club to keep the young striker.
But as well as Arsenal’s offer, the player was also considering bids from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, among others.
Bayern and Dortmund were drawn into the race by the fact the striker would be available for no more than a €400,000 training compensation fee this summer.
Arsenal were unable to sign the striker up to a new contract until now due to his age, which has allowed the vultures to start circling.
The Gunners are hoping to get Martin Obi to agree to a scholarship contract now, converting that into a professional deal when he turns 17 later this year.
Chido Obi-Martin shoots for the Arsenal u18s (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Martin Obi finished as the u18 Premier League’s top scorer in 2023/24 with 32 goals, 11 ahead of his nearest competitor.
That was a club record for most goals in an u18 Premier League season, and only three Arsenal players have ever scored more in a single youth league campaign.
