Arsenal ‘desperate’ to convince ‘jewel’ to stay – Rival have advantage to snatch youngster from Gunners

Borussia Dortmund are keen on signing Arsenal youngster Chido Obi, according to Sport1.

The 16-year-old has been representing the Gunners at various youth levels this season. In November, the striker made headlines when he scored 10 goals against Liverpool U16.

Mikel Arteta has invited him to train with Arsenal’s senior team, which will give him a taste of what’s on offer.

BVB have set their sights on the north London club’s ‘jewel’ and Sport1 say they plan to take advantage of the rules in the UK to secure the Denmark U17 international’s services.

The Premier League side, on the other hand, are ‘desperate’ to convince their rising star to continue his development at the north London club. However, they won’t be able to tie him down to a professional contract yet.

Sport1 point out clubs in England can’t offer a professional contract to youngsters below 17 years of age, meaning Arsenal can’t offer Obi a ‘lavish salary’ until he turns 17 in November.

Dortmund want to use the salary factor to tempt the Danish youngster and snatch him away from Arsenal. Whether they’ll be successful remains to be seen.