'He played with us' - FC Copenhagen chief confirms 28-goal striker Obi-Martin joined Arsenal as a 13yo 

Sune Smith-Nielsen, development director at Danish giants FC Copenhagen, has confirmed that Chido Obi-Martin was on the books of the club before he was snapped up by Arsenal at the age of 13.

The Denmark U17 international of Nigerian descent went viral again after a seven-goal haul in Arsenal's 9-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday.

And in doing so, he broke Folarin Balogun's club record for the most goals scored by a player in the U18 Premier League in a single season. 

Obi-Martin has mustered twenty four goals in his last seven matches for Arsenal in the U18 Premier League and has scored a total of 28 goals for the age group so far this season. 

He was a member of FC Copenhagen's youth system before relocating to England with his Nigerian parents. 

Smith-Nielsen observed that Chido Obi-Martin was a precocious talent during his time with FC Copenhagen youth team as he often played above his age group. 

"Yes, he played with us until he was 13, when the family then moved to London. I think it was the mother who got a job in London and then the father and the brothers moved with them," he told Tipsbladet. 

"He was a huge talent. He has been a huge talent since he was six years old. He played for periods two years up, and he has always had huge potential offensively. He has a wild technique and fantastic physical abilities.

"I think his last games were at U13, but I can't quite remember if he also managed to play for U14. Chidozie is 07s but he played mostly with 05s and 06s.

"We are very pleased that he is doing so well at Arsenal. Then he can always get into FCK's first team when Arsenal don't give him the chance."

Obi-Martin has been offered a scholarship and professional contract by Arsenal ahead of the 2024-2025 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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