Arsenal were left frustrated in the summer as they lost a key part of their potential future plans to rivals Manchester United. Young striker Chido-Obi Martin turned down a very generous contract offer from Arsenal despite being just 16 years old to join the Gunners’ old adversary.
Outside of the financial reasons, it was reported by the Mail’s Isaan Khan that the player and his representatives wanted an immediate promotion to the under-21s team from the under-18s but that Arsenal couldn’t offer it. Arsenal did provide a pathway which included under-21 football but clearly not at the advanced stage desired by Obi-Martin’s camp.
He has since signed for United and is already scoring for the under-18s which perhaps is a surprise to not see him already at the higher level after the reported desires from the Gunners. Arsenal meanwhile have moved on swiftly with their season and manager with the exit of Jack Wilshere to join Norwich City’s senior team staff.
Among Wilshere’s previous side’s talented youngsters is 14-year-old Max Dowman. The midfielder, like Obi-Martin, has been well-known among fans for his contributions at the youth level, catching the eye with some excellent goals, assists and performances.
Before Obi-Martin has this season, Dowman has now achieved the rise to the under-21 level. The youngster made his debut at the level in the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Brighton.
He came on the 84th minute for Mehmet Ali’s side and was involved in bringing the opposition side down to ten men after he was taken out by Imari Samuels in stoppage time. While just a small showing here, the decision is certainly significant.
Ethan Nwaneri, who has scored four times for the Gunners first team this season, including his first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest less than a fortnight ago, achieved his under-21 debut just two weeks before making his senior debut in the trip to Brentford at just 16 years old becoming the youngest ever Premier League player. When you produce performances that cannot be ignored, careers can take off quickly.
It sends something of a message perhaps to Chido Obi-Martin too that had he had patience with Arsenal he might have too broken into the under-21s more consistently for the Gunners. That ship has of course sailed.
Attention turns to Dowman and with the FA Cup draw to be made on Monday evening, a draw against a lower-league opposition could open the door further to opportunities. If not, then forthcoming pre-season tours and friendlies might instead be where his profile moves to the next stage.
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