Declan Rice responds to ‘special’ Arsenal message as emotional exit confirmed

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On Jun 25, 2025

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(Credit: Imago)

Wed 25 June 2025 8:11, UK

Arsenal have already said goodbye to several long-serving players as Mikel Arteta looks to finally build a title-winning squad.

The Gunners went into this summer’s transfer window off the back of three straight second-placed finishes in the Premier League, and ended last season 10 points behind runaway champions Liverpool.

Arsenal are yet to take the final step into the winners’ circle, and Arteta is under pressure to deliver a Premier League title next season with the 2020 FA Cup being his only piece of silverware at the Emirates.

A significant summer of spending is planned as the Gunners weigh up moves to strengthen their attack, albeit talks for a striker have stalled as Arsenal decide between Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.

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Arsenal academy star bids farewell ‘after 14 years’

Arsenal are yet to finalise their first incoming transfer of the summer with a deal for Martin Zubimendi on the brink of completion, but numerous exits have already been greenlit as Arteta streamlines his squad.

Marquinhos and Nuno Tavares’ permanent exits for a combined £10.6million come after loan spells with Cruzeiro and Lazio respectively, but a number of Hale End academy products have also been released.

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Nathan Butler-Oyedeji is one of the 13 youngsters who will leave the Emirates once their contracts expire on 30 June, and the 22-year-old sent a lengthy message on Instagram (24 June) to say his goodbyes.

Declan Rice led the tributes with a comment of; “Butts good luck mate”, to the striker, whose post read: “Dear Arsenal fans – after 14 years at this club my time at Arsenal has come to an end.

“I would like to thank firstly God for giving me the opportunity to realise my dream for playing for Arsenal. I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way through my hardships and through my good times.

“Arsenal will always hold a special place in my heart as being a boyhood Arsenal fan it was a dream come true to make my debut for the club. I will always be a part of the Arsenal family. I look forward to where my journey takes me next.”

Butler-Oyedeji to seal immediate Arsenal transfer

Although Butler-Oyedeji’s debut for the Gunners only came this season at the age of 22, the former Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town loanee has no shortage of options for a potential free transfer.

Rotherham United were in talks for a last-ditch loan deal in January which would have provided Butler-Oyedeji with a greater chance at game-time, but a lack of this hasn’t deterred other interested clubs.

Football Insider revealed on 21 June that Austrian champions Sturm Graz are also ready to launch an approach for Butler-Oyedeji, and the highly-rated striker can finally realise his potential away from Arsenal.

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