Man Utd 'exploring deal' to sign record-breaking Arsenal teenager
- Man Utd working to sign Arsenal striker Chido Martin Obi
- 16-year-old broke Gunners' academy scoring record last season
- Arsenal made offer to tie Martin Obi down to new contract
By Tom Gott
![Man Utd hope to get a deal over the line Man Utd hope to get a deal over the line](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4476,h_2517,x_0,y_199/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/90min_en_international_web/01j38qdd7ycjn4n01e45.jpg)
Manchester United are working to complete a deal for 16-year-old Arsenal striker Chido Martin Obi, reports have revealed.
Martin Obi broke Arsenal's Under-18 goalscoring record last season with an incredible tally of 32 goals in just 18 games, with 28 of those goals coming in just nine matches at the end of the season.
His schoolboy contract expired this summer and Arsenal made an offer to tie Martin Obi down to a scholarship deal, but the teenager has turned down the chance to extend at the Emirates and is heading for pastures new.
As first revealed by AcademyScoop, and later backed up by The Athletic, United are in talks with Martin Obi and are looking to move quickly to tie down one of the most exciting young prospects in the English academy system.
Martin Obi visited United's Carrington training ground earlier in the week and is believed to be keen to complete a move.
Manchester United aim to move quickly in talks for Chido Obi-Martin, with the player keen on the move.
— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) July 20, 2024
Interest from other clubs is not as advanced at this stage.
A deal would be subject to the Premier League's ratification process, which could take a number of weeks. pic.twitter.com/XLs9gMxwjS
There is reported to be a number of sides interested in Martin Obi's signature but it is United who are leading the race, with the Red Devils said to be moving quickly to try and finalise an agreement with the exciting young striker.
If he does join United, Martin Obi could head into an academy setup trending in the right direction. United's Under-18s won the league title at their age group, beating both Manchester City and Chelsea in the final stages to be crowned champions.
Martin Obi could be promoted to the Under-21 team, who finished 12th in the 26-team Premier League 2.
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