Mikel Arteta should start Hale End star who has already scored eight times this season against Girona

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Arsenal are hoping to bring the feel-good factor from their dramatic 1-0 win over Wolves into their final Champions League game against Girona.

Arsenal head into the tie knowing that just a point will be enough to secure automatic passage into the Champions League last-16 and face opponents Girona, who are already eliminated.

With crucial fixtures ahead, Mikel Arteta should consider resting Kai Havertz and some other key players for the game.

Whilst Arsenal are hoping to bring in a striker before deadline day, their current attacking options are limited but Arteta could have the option of a young, hungry Hale End graduate to fill the void.

READ MORE: Arsenal make call for new striker transfer target as appeal decision made on Myles Lewis-Skelly red card

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji should start for Arsenal against Girona

The Arsenal academy has produced some amazing talent already for the first team this season with the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Having made his senior debut against Dinamo Zagreb, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji could be the next graduate to impress Arteta and the Arsenal fans, he deserves a chance by starting against Girona.

Butler-Oyedeji has confirmed on his X account that he has travelled once again with Arteta’s squad to Spain and this would be the perfect opportunity to give him a chance to shine, whilst resting Havertz.

The Hale End star has already scored eight times this season for the Arsenal U21’s and has contributed six assists, demonstrating his work ethic for the team.

Butler-Oyedeji has already won an award for Arsenal this season

Butler-Oyedeji earned a Player of the Month award in the Premier League 2 for his blistering start to the season back in August. He contributed to more than half of his side’s eleven goals in the month with four goals and two assists.

On winning the award, he told the official Arsenal website how he has focused on his end product. Butler-Oyedeji stated: “My focus from the start of the season has been to a be a bit more productive and deadly in front of goal.”

Butler-Oyedeji’s profile is one that seems to suit Arteta’s system and demands from his players, with an attitude to succeed but grow and improve at the same time.

The Arsenal boss may not get a better opportunity this season to test the young forward in a senior match and find out if he can be an extra option towards the business end of the season.