Arsenal fans are once again left feeling frustrated as another talented young player, Chido Obi-Martin, looks set to leave the club. This news comes on the heels of recent departures of promising academy talents Amario Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters, who both opted for moves to Brighton and Luton Town, respectively.
While Arsenal offered both Cozier-Duberry and Walters new deals, outlining their potential paths to the first team, they ultimately chose to leave in search of more immediate playing opportunities. In contrast, Obi-Martin’s situation is more complex, with the 16-year-old forward’s exceptional talent and record-breaking performances in the academy making him a prized asset.
Arsenal starlet Chido Obi-Martin looks set to leave the club this summer
Arsenal have already lost exciting young talent Amario Cozier-Duberry (pictured) to Brighton
Reuell Walters (pictured) has also departed Arsenal to join Luton Town this summer
Obi-Martin’s exceptional talent, which includes scoring 32 goals in 18 Arsenal Under-18 matches and 10 goals against Liverpool Under-16s in a single match, has caught the attention of England’s FA, who are exploring options to lure him back to representing the country.
Despite Arsenal’s offer of Under-18s football, with opportunities to play for the Under-21s and even join first-team training, Obi-Martin’s camp wanted him to join the Under-21s immediately, which was a sticking point. The main issue, however, was the money, with the club and player’s team unable to agree on a deal.
Obi-Martin caught the eye on many occasions and netted 10 goals against Liverpool
He will now depart Arsenal, but Mail Sport understands his exit is not financially motivated
Arsenal’s approach is designed to future-proof the club, whether that’s through utilising academy talent for the first team or making a profit through sales. While the club is pleased with the money raised from their academy, fans are left wondering about the futures of their current academy graduates.
Mikel Arteta has faced criticism for his use of Arsenal’s young stars, with some questioning his willingness to give them opportunities in the first team. However, Arteta personally feels a heavy responsibility for the welfare of academy players and is acutely aware of the long-term effects of rushing them into first-team football.
Mikel Arteta has received criticism for his use of Arsenal’s young stars
Ethan Nwaneri, the 17-year-old forward, is expected to be the next cab off the rank, with Arteta seeing potential in him. Nwaneri has been around the first team for some time and has regularly trained with them, but has not yet translated to first-team minutes.
The north London club’s pre-season tour of the US has hinted at what Nwaneri’s first-team involvement will be in the upcoming campaign. He was the last starting outfield player to be substituted in a recent match against Bournemouth, which suggests he could be in line for more game time.
Ethan Nwaneri (left) has stood out in pre-season and the Premier League’s youngest-ever player could make a breakthrough into the first team this season
Myles Lewis-Skelly is another academy player who has impressed and could be in line for more game time. Typically a midfielder, Arteta has been moulding Lewis-Skelly into an inverted left back, and he started in that position against Bournemouth in Los Angeles.
While it remains to be seen how Obi-Martin fares at his next club, Arsenal’s academy is clearly bearing fruit, both in terms of financial gains and producing talented players.