MIKEL ARTETA MEETS TOP STRIKER TO CONVINCE HIM OVER SUMMER DEAL

 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly met with a sensational striker in a bid to convince him to sign a deal with the club

The hope of Arsenal to retain teenage sensation Chido Obi-Martin has received a boost following discussions with head coach Mikel Arteta. 

The 16-year-old academy star has been in scintillating form, scoring an impressive 32 goals in 20 appearances for the club’s under-18 team during the 2023/24 season. Obi-Martin grabbed national headlines with a stunning 10-goal performance against Liverpool’s under-16 side in November.

Despite the teenager’s clear talent, Arsenal face a challenging task in securing his future at the club. Obi-Martin, who has already received a scholarship offer from Arsenal, is also attracting significant interest from other top European clubs. 

Bayern Munich, ahead of Borussia Dortmund, have shown a keen interest in signing the Denmark youth international. The German giants have a history of successfully recruiting Premier League academy prospects, notably signing Jamal Musiala from Chelsea at the age of 16.

However, Arsenal’s chances of keeping their young star appear to be improving. Arteta has reportedly held face-to-face talks with Obi-Martin, aiming to convince him of his bright future in North London. Obi-Martin has previously trained with Arsenal’s first team, and there is growing confidence within the club that they will secure his commitment.

Should Obi-Martin agree to the scholarship terms, he will be eligible to sign a professional contract with Arsenal in November, upon turning 17.

Arsenal have seen several academy graduates depart in recent months. Amario Cozier-Duberry declined a contract extension, opting to join Brighton instead. The 19-year-old midfielder, who attracted interest from Aston Villa, West Ham, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Celtic, and Rangers, eventually signed a four-year deal with the Seagulls.

Reuell Walters also turned down a new contract offer, ending his tenure with Arsenal.

In preparation for the upcoming season, Arsenal is expected to be active in the transfer market, seeking to bolster their squad. 

The Gunners are on the verge of signing Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, with hopes that he will join in time for their pre-season tour. This move could lead to the departure of Jakub Kiwior, and full-back Nuno Tavares is also anticipated to leave the club in the coming weeks.