Mikel Arteta Reveals Why Chido Obi Chose Manchester United Over Arsenal

Obi’s Rise at Manchester United

Chido Obi’s decision to leave Arsenal for Manchester United last summer has been a talking point, especially now that the 17-year-old forward is breaking into United’s first team. After excelling in Arsenal’s youth system, Obi let his contract expire before joining United in October, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force at the academy level.

Since the turn of the year, Obi has made several senior appearances under Ruben Amorim, proving his potential. His absence from United’s Europa League squad sparked debate, further highlighting his growing importance at the club.

Mikel Arteta on Obi’s Departure

Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Manchester United, Mikel Arteta was asked about Obi’s decision to leave. While he didn’t go into details, his words left room for speculation.

“To persuade a player to stay, a player has to be willing to be with us and commit to us,” Arteta stated.
“Depending on the reason, they want to go somewhere else – that is it. I wasn’t too involved in that decision. When a player decides the best pathway is to leave, there’s not much you can do. Very unfortunate.”

Reports suggest that Arsenal believe United’s financial offer played a major role in Obi’s decision. However, Manchester United have denied this claim, insisting that their first-team development plan was more attractive than Arsenal’s.

Would Obi Have Had a Bigger Role at Arsenal?

Given Arsenal’s current injury crisis, some believe that Obi could have made his senior debut much sooner had he stayed. Arsenal are currently missing their four first-choice forwards, while Obi’s peers, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, have already been integrated into the first team.

When questioned about his trust in young players, Arteta was quick to defend his record.

“I don’t know what the perception is outside, but internally no,” he said.
“The reality is very different, because those players [Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri] are always with us. I guarantee you that if there is a player that can help and impact the first team, he’s going to be with us.”

As Obi prepares to face his former club, the young forward has the perfect stage to prove that he made the right choice. Do you think Chido Obi will thrive at Manchester United, or would he have been better off at Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments!