Nigerian forward bids emotional farewell to Arsenal after 14 years of service

London-born Nigerian forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji has confirmed his departure from boyhood club Arsenal, ahead of the expiration of his contract on June 30, 2025.

The Hale End Academy graduate has been on the books of Arsenal his entire career, having joined the club at the age of eight, although he enjoyed loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town.

Butler-Oyedeji made his senior debut for Arsenal in January 2025 during a Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb and earned his Premier League debut in a win over Ipswich Town.

In his final season at the Gunners, the 22-year-old tallied nine goals and provided six assists in thirteen Premier League 2 outings and was named the division's Player of the Month for August 2024.

Butler-Oyedeji took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message as he bid goodbye to the north London outfit, expressing deep gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his time at the club.

"After 14 years at this club my time at Arsenal has come to an end," Butler-Oyedeji wrote.  

"I would like to thank firstly God for giving me the opportunity to realise my dream for playing for Arsenal. 

"I want to extend my appreciation to the first team, my parents, all coaches, physios, chefs and cleaners and teammates I’ve worked alongside with and most importantly the life blood of the club, the fans.

"I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way through my hardships and through my good times.

"Arsenal will always hold a special place in my heart as being a boyhood Arsenal fan it was a dream come true to make my debut for the club.

"I will always be a part of the Arsenal family. I look forward to where my journey takes me next."

Last season, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji earned 27 first-team call-ups for Arsenal, benefitting from injuries to forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

He has been linked with clubs in Austria, Denmark and the English Football League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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