The future of one Hale End academy starlet is now in doubt as Arsenal face losing him against their will.

Arsenal currently have a number of exciting prospects on their books at academy level. 

One of the most promising youngsters now in situ at the Emirates Stadium is Chido Obi-Martin. The 16-year-old striker has been in blistering form this season. 

Obi-Martin has already been in the headlines due to his goalscoring exploits, as he has smashed a number of academy records.

The Gunners are understandably excited about the young Dane’s potential, but Mikel Arteta will also be concerned that the prolific teenager could soon be prised away from the club. 

Real Madrid have already shown an interest in Obi-Martin. Bayern Munich are also eyeing up a swoop for the youngster, as a contract loophole has now opened the door for foreign clubs to pounce.

Arsenal now find themselves in a difficult situation when it comes to securing Obi-Martin’s future in North London. 

Why Arsenal fear they might lose Chido Obi-Martin

As reported by The Athletic, due to laws in this country, Obi-Martin cannot sign professional terms with Arsenal until he turns 17 in November. However, 16-year-olds can pen professional deals with European clubs. Arsenal are in talks with the forward, but are at a disadvantage due to the fact that the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich can take formal action faster than they can. 

Obi-Martin recently joined the Elite Project Group agency, suggesting he is now ready to make serious moves concerning his future. Bukayo Saka and Folarin Balogun are both on the books with the same agency. Arsenal will be hoping that Obi-Martin follows in the footsteps of the former rather than the latter, as Saka remains at the club and is a talismanic first-team figure, whilst Balogun is now plying his trade for Monaco.

How Arsenal are guiding Chido Obi-Martin to glory

Obi-Martin is on a specialised development plan at Arsenal.

The Gunners are giving the Denmark under-17s international a broad range of experiences across a variety of age groups so that he can encounter different challenges and test his mettle in a multitude of physical trials.

If Arsenal can keep Obi-Martin at the club, and tie him to a professional contract at the first opportunity, then there is a plan in place to bring him through to senior level.