Chido Obi-Martin’s Arsenal Exit in 2024 Looks Questionable as Former Teammates Shine
Chido Obi-Martin, who parted ways with Arsenal in 2024, may now be reflecting on whether his decision to leave the club was the right one.
The talented youngster made headlines last year when he opted to depart the Gunners after two seasons, securing a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United. At the time, his switch was seen as a significant step in his career, especially given his reputation as a prolific goalscorer in Arsenal’s academy setup.
Obi-Martin had been nothing short of sensational during his time in North London, most notably netting an incredible 10 goals in a single match for Arsenal’s under-16 squad in November 2023. His performances generated considerable excitement, making his transfer to United one that carried high expectations.
However, nearly six months after making the move to Old Trafford, the young forward has yet to feature in the senior squad, raising questions about whether his transfer has worked out as planned.
A Frustrating Spell at Manchester United
Despite the ongoing attacking struggles at United since Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in late 2024, Obi-Martin has yet to be given a first-team opportunity. While many believed his arrival could inject fresh energy into United’s forward line, he has been restricted to youth-level matches, with no signs of a senior debut on the horizon.
His absence from the first-team setup is even more puzzling given the financial commitment the club has reportedly made to secure his services. According to The Athletic, the teenager is earning “tens of thousands of pounds” per week—an impressive sum for a player who has yet to break into the senior side. Some sources have even suggested his weekly salary could be as high as £30,000.
Arsenal’s Rising Stars Highlight the Contrast
While Obi-Martin struggles to make his mark at United, his former Arsenal academy teammates, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, have been thriving. Both players have seized opportunities in Mikel Arteta’s setup, showcasing their talent and development at the highest level.
Their emergence makes Obi-Martin’s decision to leave Arsenal all the more intriguing. Had he stayed, he might have found himself in a similar position, breaking into the senior squad and playing under a manager known for giving young players a chance.
For now, the young striker remains a promising talent, but his decision to trade Arsenal for Manchester United is looking increasingly questionable. Time will tell if he eventually forces his way into the first team, but for now, he remains on the outside looking in.
Chido Obi-Martin’s Arsenal Exit Raises Questions Amid Manchester United Uncertainty
Chido Obi-Martin was a goal-scoring sensation during his time in Arsenal’s academy, consistently finding the back of the net with ease (Image: Getty).
United Fans Hopeful for Obi-Martin’s Future
Both Obi-Martin and Manchester United supporters will be hoping that the club’s reluctance to introduce him into the senior squad is a calculated move designed to nurture his talent, rather than an indication that he is not yet ready for the physical demands of top-flight football.
However, if the 17-year-old had chosen to remain at Arsenal, there is a strong possibility that he would already be involved with the first team, particularly given the Gunners’ current injury concerns.
Earlier this week, reports emerged suggesting that Kai Havertz had suffered a minor injury while Arsenal was away in Dubai for warm-weather training.
Missed Opportunity at Arsenal?
The North London side has already been dealing with a depleted squad, as Bukayo Saka has been sidelined since December and Gabriel Jesus has been unavailable since early January. With the Brazilian striker now ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, Arsenal is in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.
Despite his young age, Obi-Martin might have had a real opportunity under Mikel Arteta, a manager who has demonstrated a willingness to trust young players in high-pressure situations. Arteta has not hesitated to integrate teenage talents into the first team, a trend that has continued this season.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri—who is the same age as Obi-Martin—have stepped up impressively for Arsenal, delivering standout performances in both the Premier League and Champions League. Their contributions have been vital for a squad that has been ravaged by injuries.
Watching From Afar
Perhaps Obi-Martin now finds himself questioning his decision to leave Arsenal as he watches his former academy teammates thrive on some of football’s biggest stages. Meanwhile, he remains confined to United’s youth setup, still waiting for his chance to make an impact at the senior level.
With time on his side, his breakthrough may still come, but for now, his former teammates are enjoying the spotlight while he continues to wait for his moment at Old Trafford.