Manchester United medical underway as forward deal imminent after Newcastle United talks

Manchester United have won the race to sign teenage forward Chido Obi-Martin following his departure from Arsenal.

Fabrizio Romano claimed last month that Newcastle United were among the top-flight clubs that had made contact with Obi-Martin’s camp after he made headlines last season when scoring 10 goals in a 14-3 win over Liverpool under-16s.

That led to more involvement with the under-18s, where he netted a staggering 32 goals in 18 matches. Arsenal offered the 16-year-old new terms following expiry of his schoolboy contract, but he has decided to pursue other opportunities.

And Obi-Martin has opted to join Manchester United after undergoing his medical on Tuesday. According to our sister title ManchesterWorld, Obi-Martin was impressed by the proposal made to him about his development plan and his opportunity of making it as a professional at the club.

He will sign a scholarship agreement with a pre-pro agreement before switching to a professional contract upon reaching his 17th birthday in November and he will predominately feature for the U18s, with a view of him making it into the first team.

The move still requires Premier League ratification, which could delay it being made official anytime soon.

Obi-Martin has represented both Denmark and England at youth international level. He is reportedly eligible to represent Nigeria through his father.

The forward played in Denmark’s 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification campaign, scoring twice in three group stage games, though it is understood that he can still switch allegiance back to England before her turns 18 – if he wishes to.