Arsenal are reportedly set to challenge Manchester United in court over the transfer of Chido Obi-Martins from the club’s academy to Old Trafford.
We reported earlier that Manchester United have sealed a deal with the young Danish forward to join the club this summer. Manchester United’s newly-added assistant coach and technical officer Ruud Van Nistelroy reportedly played a great role in United’s deal with the youngster.
Chido Obi-Martins, a big football prospect, took the youth levels of English club football by storm, scoring an astonishing 32 goals in 24 games last year. He also bagged three assists to prove his mettle, not only as a prolific goal-scorer but a good playmaker with great passing and team-play skills.
Arsenal and Manchester United feud over Chido Obi-Martins
Chido Obi-Martins’ Arsenal’s contract had expired this summer. According to reports, Arsenal were ready to offer the young forward a new contract but he turned down the offer due to lack of a clear pathway to break into the team’s senior squad.
Meanwhile, Manchester United were lurking by with a potent interest in the 16-year-old, and monitoring proceedings between the player and Arsenal over a possible new deal.
After the two parties failed to reach an agreement, United exploited the gap to agree on a deal to sign the player as a free agent.
According to the Athletic, even though Chido Obi-Martins was a free agent open to a free transfer to another club, United were obliged by the rules to pay Arsenal for the player since he was still considered an underage player.
Also, the Premier League needed to approve the transfer before United could complete the deal. None of the aforementioned was accomplished. Meanwhile, there was still room for United to observe all transfer protocols involving the youngster but that may not be the case any longer.
According to football journalist Christopher Michel, Arsenal aren’t ready to accept approaches by United to conclude the deal for Chido Obi-Martins. The Gunners have now opted to challenge the deal in court.
It is understood Arsenal’s decision to withhold consent and rather challenge the move in court is the reason Manchester United have yet to present the player. At the time of filing this report, it has been confirmed Chido Obi-Martins is training privately and will only be unveiled after the legal tussle between United and the Gunners is sorted out.
Rules governing transfers for underage players
FIFA have rules governing the transfer of youth players (footballers under the age of 18). Whether the players’ contract has expired or not, clubs are mandated to secure the consent of the player and his/her parents/guardians before a move can be processed.
Also, the parents of the player must be willing to relocate to the city where the footballer’s new club is based for close parenting while the footballer continues his career. Additionally, the club that is transferring the player are entitled to a compensation fee for their role in the development of the player as well.
In the case of Chido Obi-Martins, Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with the player but have yet to complete the deal since Arsenal have not agreed on compensation. Now, the Gunners are not interested in the compensation fee but want to challenge the legality of the deal in court and possibly reverse the move.
