Manager Mikel Arteta promoted Nigerian forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji to first team training on Saturday, on the eve of the London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage, **allnigeriasoccer.com** reports.
During a training session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney, the Spanish coach assessed the 21-year-old with the possibility of adding him to the squad traveling to Fulham.
Overall, the Arsenal development squad player has received seven call-ups to the first team without making his senior debut comprising four in the Champions League, two in the Premier League and was also on the bench in an Emirates FA Cup clash against Oxford United in January 2023.
Butler-Oyedeji gained first-team experience during loan spells at Football League clubs Cheltenham Town and Accrington Stanley, making a combined 25 appearances.
This season, he has tallied thirteen goal involvements for Arsenal U21s in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy, and was crowned the Premier League 2 Player of the Month for August 2024.
The versatile forward's strong form might not be enough to secure a place in the squad to face Fulham, with Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka all seen in the final training session and seemingly available for selection.
Another Hale End Academy graduate of Nigerian descent, Ethan Nwaneri was involved in Saturday's training session.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit: arsenal.com
**Copyright ANS**
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com