“Selling him is the biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my coaching career…I’m regretting it”: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta says selling 17-year-old striker was the biggest mistake he made in January transfer window
It was considered a major coup when Manchester United took Chido Obi from Arsenal last year.
At the time, the Dane was just 16 years old and was considered one of the world’s very best players in his age group.
Chido Obi boasted an impressive goal record for Arsenal, which had much of the continent after his signature when it emerged he was set to become available.
Obi was seen as a world-leading talent according to a report which also had James Overy listed. Obi was one of several wonderkids United signed last year, but he has quickly established himself as the very best that this club has to offer.
Having only started his season in October, Obi has raced to 15 Manchester United academy goals and promotion to Ruben Amorim’s first-team side.
Now, ahead of taking on his former club – Mikel Arteta has discussed the 17-year-old.
Mikel Arteta admits frustrations over losing Chido Obi
Losing Obi was a heavy blow for Arsenal, as he could have been the solution to their forward line injury crisis this season.
However, ultimately he wanted out and United will now count themselves blessed as Obi looks destined to be a star.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, Gunners boss Arteta has discussed Obi’s departure from Hale End, which he labels ‘unfortunate’, as quoted by Football London.
“I wasn’t too involved in the decision. When a player decides that the best thing to do is to leave, there’s not much you can do.
“It’s very unfortunate because we want to keep our academy players and make them successful in the first team, but in the case of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, we weren’t able to do that.”
Arsenal of course have been stung twice in the past 12 months by United taking their talents, and they’ll be desperate not to see this happen again. But Sunday could see Arteta left embarrassed.
Ruben Amorim suggests Chido Obi will be involved against Arsenal
Arteta has explained he feels it was unfortunate that Obi didn’t stay at Arsenal, but he will feel even worse should Obi follow in Rashford’s footsteps on Sunday by scoring his first Premier League goal against Arsenal.
This could be a distinct possibility with Amorim confirming during his press conference that the teenage sensation will be involved, as quoted by club media.
“Everybody can start and Chido is on the list, so he can play.”
It would be very exciting to see Obi get another chunk of minutes as he did against Fulham last weekend. In this cameo, Obi did things Rasmus Hojlund could only dream of and so United will be keen to get him back in action.
It would be remarkable to score his first goal against Arsenal and it would certainly see him celebrate wildly considering the reaction Obi had when United won in the FA Youth Cup against Arsenal.
