On the continent, Arsenal are well-positioned to make a push for what would be their first-ever Champions League trophy after a blistering display against Real Madrid across two legs. It would be an incredible triumph, but were Arsenal to win the Champions League, it would be just the second trophy won by Mikel Arteta in his tenure as manager, a tally he will hope to improve.
Much has been said about Arsenal’s striking options this season or more so, their lack thereof. Gabriel Jesus showed inconsistent form before being ruled out for the season in January, while there are still questions over whether the number nine is the position that best suits Kai Havertz, who himself suffered a long-term injury just weeks after Jesus.
Arsenal have found solutions, playing either Leandro Trossard up top or Mikel Merino, who has been turned into a makeshift striker in the absence of more experienced options. Arsenal will no doubt look to do business in the summer, with a striker being slated as their top target.
It may be, however, that the Gunners already have a striker within their ranks that they could turn to.
Could Butler-Oyedeji Step Up?
Academy striker has a strong goal return
Butler-Oyedeji for Arsenal
In January 2025, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji made his senior debut for Arsenal in the Champions League, going on to make a smattering of appearances for the club he has been at since 2011 as a youngster. Butler-Oyedeji has spent time with both Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town within the Football League for experience, but is yet to truly break into the Arsenal first team.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji 24/25 Season So Far
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Minutes Played
Premier League 2
13
9
6
1,050'
EFL Trophy
3
1
0
270'
Champions League
1
0
0
1'
Premier League
1
0
0
6'
At 22 years old, Butler-Oyedeji is at an age where, if he is to breakout with Arsenal, then it will most likely happen within the next year. Given the Gunners’ lack of natural striking options, Butler-Oyedeji may find that he has a place within Arteta’s side as, while he may be inexperienced, he is a natural number nine, which he has proven in the Premier League 2.
Havertz will, in all likelihood, return to competitive action before Gabriel Jesus. For the games Jesus is unavailable, Butler-Oyedeji would offer Arsenal depth without them being forced to spend a large sum of money to acquire it. Given he has played for the club in the 2024/25 season, it seems fair to assume that Arteta is fond of Butler-Oyedeji.
Of course, Butler-Oyedeji is not the only star attacker to be amidst the Arsenal ranks. Max Dowman is highly rated by Arsenal, with the 15-year-old even having spent time this season training with the senior team, including their team training session in Dubai. There is certainly competition, but Butler-Oyedeji is far more prepared, currently, than Dowman to properly enter senior football, given his age.
Whether or not Butler-Oyedeji establishes himself at Arsenal remains to be seen, but it would certainly be worth the Gunners trying.
0 Comments