Mikel Arteta calls 18-year-old attacking ace up to Arsenal first-team training

Arsenal academy winger Nathan Butler-Oyedeji featured in training for the Gunners first team on Friday.

The North Londoners are currently preparing for a huge derby, with rivals Spurs coming to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been putting his players through their paces, and several Hale End gems have also been involved.

On Friday, Butler-Oyedeji was pictured alongside Gunners defender Ben White at London Colney.

The 18-year-old has progressed through the ranks at Hale End after joining aged six.

He is currently plying his trade for the Under-23s, and signed his first professional contract back in August.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I just want to focus on doing what I do best now,” he told the Arsenal media team.

“I’ve been here since I was six, so to come all this way and get my first professional contract is a dream come true.”

Butler-Oyedeji can play as a winger or up front, and boasts great pace and dribbling ability, as per the Arsenal website.

However, he has missed out on the last three U23 matchday squads due to intense competition for places.

Butler-Oyedeji scored two goals against Spurs’ Under-18s last season and has also featured in the EFL Trophy.

Charlie Patino, Omari Hutchinson and Charlie Patino also featured in Friday’s session, according to Jeorge Bird.

It’s great to see so many Hale End gems taking part in first-team training.

This is testament to a great academy and a bright future for – and at – the club.

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