Obi spent two years in Arsenal’s academy, where he was regarded as one of the club’s most exciting prospects before the 18-year old transferred in the winter window to Manchester United, for a fee understood to be more than £1.5 million.
Arsenal had allegedly presented a plan to Obi that would see him transfer from the under-18 team to the under-21s during this campaign and enroll him in first-teeam training. But the Danish youngster apparently had other ideas for his development as he had already demonstrated his skills at under-18 level as he scored a remarkable 32 goals in just 18 under-18 games for Arsenal last season.
Obi wanted a quicker pathway to senior action and after signing for United in October, he made a hat-trick within 15 minutes of his debut for their under-18s and was quickly moved into first-team training. Today Arsenal is left to rue the departure of one of their most talented youngsters before they face United in the Premier League at Old Trafford un Sunday.
Before the match, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was asked about the Dane's transfer at Friday's press conference.
"I was not that involved in that decision. When a player decides that it is best to leave the club, there is not much you can do."
"It was very unfortunate, because we would like to keep our players from the academy and make them successful in the first team, but in the case of Chido Obi-Martin and Hyden Heaven it could not be done", said Arteta.
Chido Obi-Martin has made three first-team appearances for Manchester United coming on as a substitute. He never made his senior debut at Arsenal.
Sunday's match between Manchester United and Arsenal will be played on Sunday at 17:30 CET.