:Arsenal Forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji Joins Lausanne-Sport After 14 Years in North LondonNathan Butler-Oyedeji has officially completed a permanent transfer to Swiss Super League side FC Lausanne-Sport, ending a 14-year journey with Arsenal.
The 22-year-old forward, a product of Arsenal’s academy, signed a three-year contract with Lausanne-Sport and will wear the number 11 jersey.
The transfer was announced on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, shortly after the expiration of his Arsenal contract at the end of June.Butler-Oyedeji was a standout performer at the U21 level, recording 11 goals and six assists in 17 appearances during the 2024/25 season. His impressive form attracted interest from several European clubs, including Sturm Graz and FC Copenhagen, but he ultimately chose Lausanne-Sport — a club owned by INEOS, which also signed former Arsenal youth player Trae Coyle in 2021.
Though the deal was completed as a free transfer, Arsenal will receive around £300,000 in training compensation under FIFA rules, having developed the player since age eight.
The club has also included a substantial sell-on clause to benefit from any future move.In a farewell message on social media, Butler-Oyedeji thanked the club and its fans:“After 14 years at this club, my time at Arsenal has come to an end. I want to thank God for the chance to fulfill my dream of playing for Arsenal. As a lifelong fan, it meant everything to make my debut. Arsenal will always be special to me.”He also extended his gratitude to coaches, teammates, and supporters, whom he called “the lifeblood of the club.”Butler-Oyedeji made two senior appearances for Arsenal last season — featuring in a Champions League group stage match against Dinamo Zagreb and a Premier League fixture versus Ipswich Town.
Despite being named in 28 matchday squads, fierce competition limited his first-team chances.Lausanne-Sport confirmed he will begin training with his new team on Thursday, July 3. The move offers the London-born forward — who is also eligible to represent Nigeria — a fresh opportunity to establish himself in top-tier European football.
Everyone at now.arsenal extends their best wishes to Butler-Oyedeji as he begins his new chapter in Switzerland.