Arsenal’s Hale End academy is producing some serious talent, and wonderkid striker Chidozie Obi-Martin is one who could be destined for a big future.
The 16-year-old has advanced up the age groups within the Arsenal Academy, and is already featuring at under-21 level.
In the under-18 Premier League this season, the striker has scored eight times and assisted twice in just 10 appearances, and his finishing ability already stands out among his peers.
There was transfer interest in him from Borussia Dortmund and Ajax, but Obi-Martin looks set to sign professional terms with Arsenal, and has expressed his desire to stay at the club.
Chidozie Obi-Martin opens up on Arsenal future
Speaking to Danish outlet Bold.Dk, Obi-Martin claimed that he wants to play regularly for the under-21 side next season, and is excited at the prospect of developing at Arsenal.
“I would like to stay at Arsenal for a long time. It’s a good club, I can feel that I’m getting much better in training,” he stated.
“Arsenal is a club that gives young talent the opportunity to play. There are a lot of good people & good coaches, so I’m really happy to be there.
“Maybe I will have to play with the under-21s permanently from next season. There aren’t that many strikers in the squad, so it will be a good opportunity for me.”
Obi-Martin could see increased role at Arsenal
The teenager is highly rated within the club, and all indications point towards Obi-Martin spending more time with the under-21s next season, playing well above his age group.
He has already trained with the Arsenal first team, and if he continues his remarkable scoring record into higher levels, then there is no doubt that Mikel Arteta will keep a very close eye on him.
The Danish-born attacker is one of the top prospects at Hale End right now, alongside Ethan Nwaneri, and Arsenal tying both players down to long-term professional contracts will be a big boost.
Obi-Martin is an out-and-out centre-forward, and he clearly backs himself to become the first-choice striker within the under-21s within the next season. A few strong campaigns at that level whilst in his teenage years would go a long way to opening himself up to more first-team opportunities way down the line.