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Swiss club Lausanne-Sport are reportedly in pole position to sign Arsenal striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, with the 21-year-old set to leave the Emirates when his contract expires at the end of this month, according toThe Standard.
The Hale End academy graduate, who has made two senior appearances for the Gunners, is attracting interest from a host of European clubs. However, Lausanne-Sport are believed to be preparing a compensation offer of around £300,000 in a bid to secure his signature ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Butler-Oyedeji has been a standout performer for Arsenal’s Under-21 side, netting 12 goals and registering five assists in 20 matches last season. Known for his pace, strength, and clinical finishing, the England youth international is considered a player with significant potential. Despite his progress, first-team opportunities at Arsenal have been limited, with the club focused on bolstering their frontline through high-profile targets such as RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres.
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According to The Standard’s Dom Smith, Lausanne-Sport are determined to bring in the young striker as a key component of their attacking rebuild. While personal terms are still being negotiated, the club remains confident of completing the deal in the coming weeks.
Arsenal - Nathan Butler-Oyedeji
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji (Image credit: Getty Images)
Interest in Butler-Oyedeji is not limited to Switzerland. Reports earlier this month suggested that clubs in Belgium and other Swiss sides have also made enquiries. Arsenal are reportedly open to including a sell-on clause in any agreement, signalling their belief in the striker’s long-term potential even as they allow him to move on.
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Sources close to the player say Butler-Oyedeji is open to a move abroad, viewing regular first-team football as the next crucial step in his development. A move to Lausanne would offer the chance to establish himself at senior level and gain valuable experience in a competitive league.
The deal would align with Arsenal’s broader strategy under manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, who are overseeing a shift towards first-team investment while ensuring academy talents find opportunities elsewhere, often with financial safeguards such as sell-on clauses.
If completed, Butler-Oyedeji would join a growing list of Hale End graduates seeking opportunities away from the Emirates to progress their careers. For Lausanne-Sport, the move represents a smart investment in a player with both immediate impact potential and long-term upside.
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