‘All the best for the future’ – 32-goal Arsenal sensation announces his departure

Arsenal youth striker Chido Obi-Martin has taken to social media to announce that he has left the North London club.

The 16-year-old ended 2023-24 with 32 goals and three assists in 20 under-18 Premier League games for the Gunners, drawing attention to himself from clubs in England and abroad as a result.

The likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are hoping to lure Obi-Martin to Germany where professional deals can be signed before 17 years of age.

The Denmark international cannot sign a professional deal in England until he turns 17 in November under the Football Association’s rules, but he has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United and was reportedly spotted at their training base this month.

Arsenal offered Obi-Martin an improved deal to keep him at the North London club beyond this summer, and manager Mikel Arteta pushed for him to remain with the Gunners.

However, the teenage sensation has moved on, posting this message on Instagram to confirm his exit.

Arsenal were leading the race to sign 15-year-old Chelsea forward Ryan McAidoo and he was seen as a replacement for Obi-Martin, but Manchester City have pipped them to his services.

The Dane wanted assurances over a guaranteed pathway to first-team football, but it appears he was not confident of his chances of getting it at the North London club and will now weigh up his options.

Arsenal lost youngsters Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry at the end of last season after failing to give the duo a chance in the first-team, and more youth team stars could leave if the situation does not change going forward.