Chido Obi still hasn’t taken hold with Arsenal fans, who are scratching their heads over his move to Manchester United. Was it the money? The promise of first-team football? A secret underground football conspiracy? (Okay, maybe not the last one.) Mikel Arteta insists the decision was purely personal, although the decision to neglect the opportunity to play on his young stars at the Emirates has been touted by some as a sign that youngsters aren’t given a chance at the Emirates.
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Ethan was supposed to follow where Obi used to be some golden boy of Arsenal’s academy. However, when United came calling, he speedily packed his bags quicker than an Arsenal fan walking out after the Spurs being undone in stoppage time.
Obi at United: A Perfect Fit or a Gamble?
Across those three games, Obi has featured on three occasions for United’s last five. Not bad for an 18-year-old. But was it worth it? Arsenal also offered him a similar route to the first team but, according to reports, United’s offer held the ‘financial incentives’. (Translation: The Brinks truck had been backed up.)
However, Obi’s camp says the reason for going there was purely about footballing opportunities. The truth? Somewhere in between — it’s been the norm of all transfer sagas.
Meanwhile, it was also a double blow for Arteta’s youth setup as Ayden Heaven also switched from Arsenal red to United red. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri have come along well, though and Arteta is confident Hale End produces gems.
Arteta’s Stance: No Concerns About Youth Development
Arteta is not convinced Arsenal is discriminating against young stars. He probably rolled his eyes down toward the curve of his cheek while saying that, following the same idea that if a player can force himself into the first team, he will be with us.
However, with Arsenal picking up the kind of injuries and utilising the likes of Mikel Merino in attack (yes, you read that right), losing a talent like Obi feels like salt in our wounds. Had he gotten his chance this season? Maybe. But football doesn’t do ‘what-ifs.’
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