Arsenal fans’ worst fears are about to come true as one of their academy jewels has accepted a move to their rival club with the real reason for the move still being debated.
Chido Obi Martin to Sign for Manchester United
Rejected Multiple Clubs for United
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, attracted by United’s project, Obi Martin has accepted the club’s proposal and is set to leave Arsenal. Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy had reportedly played a key role in the talks with the player and was crucial to convincing him.
Arsenal had been trying hard to keep Obi Martin at the Emirates. They tabled an improved offer earlier this month, hoping the striker would accept it. Mikel Arteta wanted him to stay put, but the teenager decided to leave as he believed there was a lack of a clear pathway to the first team.
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It was reported a few days back that Obi-Martin paid a visit to United’s Carrington training facility and was in the early stages of discussions with the club over a transfer. He has now chosen the Red Devils over other big names such as Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, AS Monaco, and Frankfurt.
What Motivated the Move: Money or First Team Opportunities?
According to a report from the Daily Mail, there are two sides to this transfer story. Some believe Obi Martin’s camp wanted a huge wage, which Arsenal weren’t willing to pay. So the Gunners decided to end their efforts to convince him despite being a huge admirer of the player’s talent.
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Meanwhile, the player’s side claimed all they wanted were assurances over a chance to feature in the first team. Money was not the motivating factor according to them. Hence, Obi Martin and his representatives decided to accept United’s offer, which gave him a clear idea of how he would be integrated into the senior squad.
It remains to be seen if Obi Martin’s decision will prove to be right as United already have two young strikers they bought for a combined £100 million. But from what he has shown so far on the pitch, United are going to have an “unbelievable” player on their hands.
