Man Utd 'negotiating transfer fee' for target despite star already completing medical

Manchester United reportedly remain locked in negotiations with Arsenal over a compensation fee for Chido Obi-Martin – although the striker has already completed a medical.

The Red Devils are in the heart of a rebuild, with Leny Yoro arriving to inject further quality into the United defence and Joshua Zirkzee joining from Bologna to provide an alternative option to Rasmus Hojlund up front.

Though Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. are not just focusing on improving the first-team, with acquiring the services of young talents who can rise through the academy over the next few years also among their ambitions.

United are on the cusp of winning the race to sign Obi-Martin, who recently snubbed a new contract with Arsenal in favour of seeking a new opportunity.

According to The Athletic, the Danish youth international has already completed his medical at Carrington and ‘broadly’ agreed on personal terms with the Red Devils. United must now negotiate a compensation fee with Arsenal for Obi-Martin, with those talks already heading towards a ‘positive conclusion’.

There is an expectation that an agreement will therefore be reached, rather than the deal going to a Premier League tribunal.

Once a fee has been agreed between United and Arsenal, the deal will then need to go through the Premier League’s ratification process due to Obi-Martin’s age.

That process could take several weeks, though the teenager will then be able to link up with his new squad. Despite being an incredibly highly-rated within the academy ranks, Obi-Martin will first have to prove himself at Under-18 level.

The Red Devils then indent on having the striker feature for their Under-21s and hope that he will participate in first-team training on occasions.

Erik ten Hag will be hoping to see his first-team ranks shaken up in what remains of the summer transfer window as well.

The Dutchman is keen to welcome at least two new defensive signings to his dressing room in the shape of Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

The Red Devils are also in the market for at least one midfielder to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo. Paris Saint-Germain was previously shortlisted as United’s top target in that department, but his significant price tag has prompted the club to explore alternative options.