Arsenal makes striker transfer decision as Mikel Arteta edges closer to building dream squad

Arsenal has made a significant decision regarding young striker Chido Obi-Martin following extensive discussions with Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners have been associated with several top-tier center-forwards in the lead up to the 2024/25 season, with Benjamin Sesko initially being the prime target. Yet Sesko will stay in Germany this summer after renewing his contract with RB Leipzig.

Other potential options, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen, have been mentioned, as well as Premier League pair Aleksander Isak and Ollie Watkins. Yet it's unlikely any of them will move to the Emirates Stadium before the start of September.

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Instead, it seems more probable that there will be a departure from the frontline, particularly with Eddie Nketiah in discussions to move to Marseille. It's believed the 25-year-old is open to joining the French club, who is trying to agree a price with Arsenal.

Gabriel Jesus is also a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia. One striker who is definitely on his way out is academy prodigy Obi-Martin. Arsenal issued a statement announcing their new first-year scholars on Tuesday and Obi-Martin, who would have been included had he signed a new contract, was noticeably missing.

This essentially confirms his imminent exit, with the striker attracting interest from several teams across Europe. Bayern Munich, Newcastle, AS Monaco, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Manchester United have all made contact, with the 16-year-old even visiting the latter. Liverpool has not been linked with Obi-Martin.

Arsenal boss Arteta is said to have held face-to-face talks with the teenager, which resulted in confidence building that he would stay; however, that is clearly not going to happen.

Liverpool.com says: With Obi-Martin set to join Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry as young talents opting to go elsewhere this summer for opportunities, a worrying trend is emerging at Arsenal. Despite Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe emerging onto the scene recently after graduating from the club's academy, no other talents have been given the chance to break onto the scene. Arsenal fans will be slightly concerned by this.