Arteta promotes Butler-Oyedeji to first team training as Arsenal eye PL record at Man City

London-born Nigerian striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji trained with Arsenal's first team a day before their blockbuster Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ran the rule over Butler-Oyedeji during today's workout at Sobha Realty Training Centre, before making a decision whether to name him in the traveling squad to M11 3FF.

With the U21s not in action until Monday, the 21-year-old, who usually plays for Arsenal’s development team, was promoted to first-team training under the guidance of the Spanish tactician.. 

The Hale End Academy graduate has been rubbing shoulders with the Gunners first team stars in recent days as he also trained with the senior players before they traveled to Bergamo for the Champions League meeting with Atalanta. 

Butler-Oyedeji was named in the matchday squad against the Europa League holders but was not utilized off the bench in what would have been his debut for his boyhood club. 

He has been named just once in a Premier League matchday 20, back in January 2023 when he was a non-playing substitute in a home game versus Newcastle United. 

Butler-Oyedeji, who is also eligible for England and Saint Vincent , made headlines for his recent performances in the Premier League 2, scoring four goals and registering two assists in three matches in the division.

After directly participating in more than half of the eleven goals netted by Arsenal U21s , he was named the Premier League 2 Player of the Month for August 2024.

Despite his rich vein of form, the versatile forward has a tough task on his hands to be named in the squad to face Manchester City, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli all spotted in the last workout and seemingly available for selection. 

Against Manchester City, Arsenal are aiming to become the first team in Premier League history to go 12 consecutive away games without conceding first.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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