Arsenal are reportedly at risk of losing out on a Hale End wonderkid in an episode that has shades of how Serge Gnabry left north London.
The Gunners are no strangers to letting youngsters leaving the club way too early in their career and for pennies, with the aforementioned Gnabry arguably the most infamous case with the attacker leaving for a return to Germany, where the winger is now ranked as one of the best in the world.
Whilst Arsenal have done all they can in recent years to ensure that every highly-rated youngster remains in north London, some have, naturally, fallen through the net, such as Borussia Dortmund winger Donyell Malen.
And it’s the German side who could now land Arsenal’s next big mistake.
Arsenal in losing battle to keep hold of Chido Obi Martin
According to journalist Charles Watts, Arsenal are in a losing battle to keep hold of teenage sensation Chido Obi Martin, who this year has been the breakout talent at Halen End in the U-18 Premier League.
The Danish youth international enjoyed a record-breaking year with Arsenal’s youth sides, yet offers from Bayern and Dortmund are now threatening to take Martin away from north London and to the Bundesliga.
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Watts said: “Arsenal absolutely haven’t given up hope yet on Chido, but Bayern are pushing, Dortmund are pushing, and as far as I’m aware, Arsenal are making an offer that they think is a good offer for Chido, but they’re not going to be held to ransom, they’re not going to go beyond [their current offer].
“The clubs who are interested him from abroad are willing to offer big, big money under his nose to get him away from Arsenal, so Arsenal are trying to keep him, they want to keep him, they’re telling him that and they’re mapping out what they think is a good career path at Arsenal, but they’re not going to money they believe is silly for a really young player.”
Arsenal can’t repeat Gnabry mistake with Martin
Martin has firmly established himself this season as arguably Arsenal’s standout talent, with the striker having all the makings of becoming a legit attacking superstar based off his form and stats.
And Arsenal can’t afford to repeat another Gnabry with Maritn, who has shown all he can that he is worth going above and beyond to keep this summer in the academy.
Indeed, the striker could be ready for senior football in the next 18 months, and Arsenal will be kicking themselves if Martin ends up leaving, where he could thrive in Germany at a Bayern or a Dortmund,