Norwich City are reportedly considering a move for Arsenal forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, who could be available for free this summer.
According to Football Insider, the Canaries have been monitoring the 22-year-old attacker, whose contract at the Emirates is set to expire. Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper, who previously worked with Butler-Oyedeji during his time at Arsenal, is believed to be a strong admirer of the player.
Butler-Oyedeji has been in fine form in Premier League 2 this season, attracting interest from Rotherham United in January. However, a transfer never materialised, and the youngster now enters the final stages of his Arsenal contract.
With striker Josh Sargent potentially departing Carrow Road in the upcoming transfer window, Butler-Oyedeji’s arrival could impact other attacking players in the Norwich squad.
Ken Aboh
With Sargent’s future uncertain and limited depth up front, young striker Ken Aboh might have seen this as a chance to step up. The 20-year-old has spent time on loan with Stevenage and Colchester United this season but has found regular game time hard to come by.
Given his underwhelming loan spells, Aboh was unlikely to be integrated into the first team right away. The potential signing of Butler-Oyedeji would only push him further down the pecking order, likely leading to another season away from Carrow Road. Despite his promise, Aboh’s path to the senior squad looks increasingly blocked.
Onel Hernandez
Veteran winger Onel Hernandez has been a mainstay at Norwich since 2018, making over 200 appearances. However, at 32, his game time has declined significantly, with just five starts this season. A hamstring injury earlier in the campaign further limited his involvement.
Hernandez’s contract expires this summer, though the club does hold an option to extend it by a year. However, if Butler-Oyedeji joins, the Cuban’s situation may become even more precarious. The Arsenal youngster offers similar versatility across the front three, and his arrival could further reduce Hernandez’s already limited minutes.
Ultimately, Butler-Oyedeji’s signing would not only bring youthful energy to Norwich’s attack but could also signal a shift in direction, possibly at the expense of established or fringe players like Aboh and Hernandez.
