English-Nigerian forward Daniel Oyetunde joins St Albans City on loan from Arsenal

St Albans City have secured the services of Arsenal striker Daniel Oyetunde on a short-term loan, confirmed by both clubs on Friday.

The 18-year-old joined the Isthmian League Premier Division side until the end of November, marking his first senior loan move away from the Emirates.

Oyetunde, who holds Nigerian heritage, signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in 2023 and has since made notable progress through the club’s youth ranks.

The highly rated centre-forward has trained several times with Mikel Arteta’s first team this season, earning recognition for his pace, work rate, and composure in front of goal.

The teenager made his senior debut for St Albans just a day after sealing the loan move, coming off the bench in their FA Cup first-round defeat to League One side Burton Albion.

St Albans fell 6-0 to their higher-tier opponents, but interim head coach Michael Bostwick praised Oyetunde’s attitude and quick adaptation.

“It’s massive, all the signings, Adrian [Mariappa] and [Daniel Oyetunde] coming in and they’ve fitted straight in with the group,” Bostwick said after the game.

“It’s been seamless so hopefully that continues and we can get fitter and stronger together and build on it.”

Despite the heavy cup loss, Oyetunde’s loan spell promises valuable first-team experience in a competitive senior setting.

With St Albans now turning their attention to league fixtures, the youngster is expected to feature prominently in the coming weeks.

The Hertfordshire-based side face a demanding schedule, with seven matches in all competitions before the end of November.

Oyetunde will look to use the opportunity to sharpen his game, stake a claim for more senior minutes, and strengthen his bid for long-term inclusion in Arsenal’s plans.

The loan marks another important step in Oyetunde’s development, as the English-Nigerian forward continues his rise through England’s football pyramid.