05.12.2023 - 11:00 | source: Transfermarkt | Reading Time: 3 mins
Arsenal FC
Chido Obi
Trained with first-team at 15 

Meet Chidozie Obi-Martin - the Arsenal prospect who scored 10 goals in one game

Talent Calendar: Meet Chidozie Obi-Martin - the Arsenal prospect who scored 10 goals in one game
©Transfermarkt

Teenage striker Chidozie Obi-Martin caught the attention of the footballing world at just 15 years of age, when he became a viral sensation after scoring a mind-blowing 10 goals in one game, as Arsenal's under-16 side claimed a scintillating 14-3 victory over Liverpool's youth side in November. The young Arsenal striker has been predominantly playing at U18 level this season for the Gunners, but is still eligible for the U16s and dropped down for a weekend with the older age group not in action on that occasion.


Stats
Chido Obi
Chido Obi Centre-Forward
Arsenal FC U18
Arsenal FC U18
Career stats
All competitions
Games
21
Goals
32
Assists
3
 


Born in Denmark in 2007, Obi-Martin relocated to England as a young teenager, after impressing at youth level in Copenhagen. Already standing at almost six foot two, the youngster is blessed with electric pace, and goals seem to be a formality in his game. He turned 16 on November 29th, but at 15, he bagged his first hat-trick at the U18 level against Southampton this season. The Denmark born forward is already developing far ahead of his age - his meteoric rise has seen him play for the U21’s team against Brighton this term, and he was even part of Mikel Arteta’s first-team training in the lead up to the Gunners’ 2-0 victory at home to Sevilla. Although, ultimately not included in the match day squad. 


Transfermarkt talents calendar day 5: Chidozie Obi-Martin


When it comes to which nation the talented youngster could represent, there is a dilemma presented. At international level, Obi-Martin has an impressive seven goals in nine games for Denmark's U17 side. Four of those came in a 6-2 victory over Scandinavian rivals Norway. However, the Arsenal man is also eligible to play for England - who he has represented at youth level - or even Nigeria, through his father. He switched allegiance to play twice for England U16’s before shifting back to represent Denmark U17.



There has been reported interest in the youngster from other top European clubs, with Obi-Martin able to sign his first professional contract on his 17th birthday next November, but there already reports he has agreed to a scholarship deal with Arsenal for the 2024/25 season, with a view to signing a pro contract three months into the new campaign. Obi-Martin may be encouraged by seeing the path to the first team of former academy products Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-RoweEddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, who are all regular members of Arteta's first team squad. 


Jesper Mikkelsen is Obi-Martin's coach at international U17 level, and speaking to Bold about the striker’s qualities, the Danish coach said: “Right now he is really dominant because of his physique, but I don't think that is the only reason. His greatest characteristic and challenge is that he really wants to score goals. When I say it can also be a disadvantage, I mean that he can sometimes play his own game. He is searching for chances, where he forgets that you also have to play with the others."


From December 1 to 24, we introduce new players from different countries born in 2006 and 2007. Area managers, users, and data scouts come into play as experts throughout the series. You can follow all those players by adding them to your TM watchlist.


Author
BenLittlemore
Ben Littlemore

UK Content Manager

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Chido Obi
Arsenal FC U18
Chido Obi
Date of birth/Age:
Nov 29, 2007 (16)
Nat.:  Denmark Nigeria
Current club:
Arsenal FC U18
Contract until:
-
Position:
Centre-Forward
Market Value:
€400k
Mikel Arteta
Arsenal FC
Mikel Arteta
Date of Birth/Age:
26.03.1982 (42)
Nat.:  Spain
Current club:
Arsenal FC
Current Position:
Manager
Contract until:
Jun 30, 2025
In charge since:
Dec 22, 2019
Arsenal FC
Total Market Value:
1.12bn
Competition:
Premier League
Position:
2.
Squad size:
25
Latest Transfer:
David Raya