Arsenal player ‘close to rejecting contract offer’ and joining Bayern Munich instead

Arsenal are fighting to keep one of their players after he rejected a contract offer amid interest from Bayern Munich.

The Gunners have become one of the best teams in England under Mikel Arteta in recent years and are seen as an attractive option for youngsters.

They have a long history of producing quality academy graduates, with current first-team star Bukayo Saka being the most recent sensation.

However, it has been revealed that the club are struggling to retain one of their highest-rated academy players who scored 43 goals in 42 outings last season.

Chido Obi-Martin, 16, is in excellent form so far in 2024 and has thus attracted interest from outside Arsenal.

According to Academy Scoop, Obi-Martin has rejected a scholarship renewal offer made by the club and is in advanced talks with German club Bayern, who are competing with rivals Borussia Dortmund for his signature.

Transfers between different club academies are nothing new, but when they involve two top teams they attract a lot of attention.

Obi-Martin has only been part of Arsenal’s youth system since 2022 and has already been called up to train with the senior team by boss Arteta, showing how well thought of he is.

Born in Denmark, he has already represented his country with 10 goals in 14 caps for the under-17s.

As noted above, Academy Scoop believes that the Bayern giant took advantage of the impasse in negotiations between Arsenal and the player in the hope of landing his services.

Given Arsenal’s struggles at times in the Premier League this season, retaining a potential future star in the position could be crucial going forward.

While Bayern appear to be their main competition for Obi-Martin, Dortmund should be concerned given their impressive track record when it comes to developing talent.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football