3 reasons why Arsenal must keep Chido Obi Martin
• The integrity of Hale End
• Additional flexibility with transfers
By Affan Khan
3. Gives flexibility in the transfer window
Arsenal have been searching for a new forward for some time, but having a player like Chido Obi waiting to make his breakthrough gives lots of flexibility in the transfer window.
Kai Havertz as a number nine fared surprisingly well towards the end of last season and the club is reportedly confident with him as the striker going into the 2024/25 season. Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Nketiah (if he stays), and even Gabriel Martinelli could feature as depth behind the German. All in all, Arsenal should be fine with their strike force for at least the next couple of years, which is enough time for Chido Obi to develop in his senior career.
Ultimately, there would be no rush to pay a premium price this summer for a marquee striker like Victor Osimhen for example. That's not to say Chido Obi is the alternative here, as that would unnecessarily increase the expectations on young shoulders. It's more so the idea that Arsenal can invest in other positions now without immediately worrying about the strike force thinning out within a few years time. They'll be able to approach market opportunities with clarity and without the pressure of squad necessities, just as they did with Benjamin Sesko earlier in this transfer window.