Arsenal are set to tie youngster Chido Obi down to a long-term deal as Mikel Arteta looks to fast track his route to the first team.
According Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Obi is set to enter a ‘new agreement’ with Arsenal in the coming months and could even be rewarded with a spot on the first team bench by Arteta before the end of the 2023/24 season.
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The 16-year-old has already been training with the first team on various occasions and has recently switched agents to join Elite Projects Group. This is seen as a major step in extending his time with Arsenal, as they are classed as a ‘heavyweight’ in the industry.
WHAT OBI SAID
“I would like to stay at Arsenal for a long time,” he told Danish site bold.DK earlier in April. “It’s a good club, I can feel that I’m getting much better in training. There are a lot of good people and good coaches, so I’m really happy to be there.
“Maybe I will have to play permanently at Under-21 from next season. There aren’t that many strikers in the squad so it will be a good opportunity for me. Arsenal is a club that gives young talents the opportunity to play.”
Obi netted an impressive haul of ten goals during Arsenal under-16’s rampant 14-3 win over Liverpool under-16’s earlier in the season. He had previously been playing in the under-18’s, 19 and 21 teams but dropped down to the previously noted level for that weekend as the other sides weren’t in action.
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It seems unlikely that Obi will be given any first team minutes this season, unless they are dominant performances like the 5-0 win against Chelsea in midweek.
Arsenal have a number of tough clashes on the horizon and can’t afford to drop points – given the fact Manchester City are following just one point behind in second.
The north London derby is next for Arteta’s side, as they travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a bid to secure bragging rights and a vital three points.
