Manchester United academy forward Chido Obi-Martin celebrates scoring for the Under-21 side
Chido Obi-Martin has been brilliant since joining Manchester United
Arsenal were left disappointed last summer when they lost a promising part of their future plans to rivals Manchester United. Young forward Chido Obi-Martin rejected a substantial contract offer from the club at just 16 years old, opting instead to join long-standing rivals Manchester United.
It has been reported that the player and his team wanted an immediate promotion to the under-21s squad from the under-18s, something Arsenal couldn't provide. Although Arsenal did offer a pathway that included under-21 football, it wasn't as accelerated as Obi-Martin's camp desired.
He has since signed for United and is already netting goals for the under-18s, which perhaps makes it surprising that he isn't playing at a higher level given his suggested ambitions when in north London. Meanwhile, Arsenal have quickly moved on with their season and management following Jack Wilshere's departure to join Norwich City's senior team staff.
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Among Wilshere's former side's talented young players is 14-year-old Max Dowman. The midfielder, like Obi-Martin, has gained recognition among fans for his contributions at the youth level, impressing with some fantastic goals, assists, and performances.
Before Obi-Martin this season, Dowman has now achieved the rise to the under-21 level. The youngster made his debut at this level in the weekend's 1-1 draw with Brighton, writes football.london.
He entered the game in the 84th minute for Mehmet Ali's team and played a role in reducing the opposition to ten men after being fouled by Imari Samuels in extra time. Although it was a brief appearance, the decision is certainly significant.
Ethan Nwaneri, who has netted four times for Arsenal's first team this season, including his maiden Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest just under two weeks ago, made his under-21 debut a mere fortnight before his senior debut in the Brentford match at the tender age of 15, becoming the youngest ever Premier League player. When performances are too good to overlook, careers can skyrocket.
This could also serve as a message to Obi-Martin that had he been patient with Arsenal, he might have broken into the under-21s more consistently. However, that ship has sailed and he is firmly enjoying himself in Manchester.
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