Arsenal fans will not be hppy that that Reuell Walters, one of our most promising academy talents, has opted to depart the club come the season end. The Athletic reports that despite Arsenal’s efforts to secure him with a new contract, Walters has turned it down, signaling an expected departure for the talented defender.
Since joining Arsenal in November 2020, Walters has been a standout figure, even bagging the Academy Scholar of the Year Award for the 2022-23 season. With an impressive record of 80 appearances across the under-18s, under-19s, and under-21s, he’s been on the radar for Mikel Arteta’s first team and was welcomed on our last two pre-season tours with Arteta’s squad.
However, it seems regular game time is the driving force behind Walters’ decision. Despite Arsenal’s desire to retain him, the lure of more consistent action elsewhere has proven too enticing for the youngster.
On the field, Walters has showcased his versatility, primarily operating as a right-back but demonstrating his prowess as a center-back as well. In fact, this season has seen him predominantly feature in the heart of defense, making 23 appearances, contributing with a goal and two assists along the way.
The fact is that the chances of Walters getting any game time at Arsenal is very unlikely, with our very solid back line of Saliba and Gabriel still being quite young, and with top class backups in Ben White, Kiwior, Tomiyasu, Timber and Zinchenko on the books right now it is little surprise that Walters has decided to look elsewhere.
Losing such a versatile and promising talent is undoubtedly a blow, but as Arsenal fans, we can but wish Walters all the best in his future endeavors.
Jack Anderson
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By turning down the offer of a new contract, RW has shown ambition and realism which along with his undoubted ability, will stand him in good stead for the future.I wish him every success in his future career.
Not happy about this.
I feel he should have been promoted to the Ist team as a squad member.
First Sousa now Walters . They are can see that Arteta does not use Academy Players from onset. Liverpool, Both Manchester Clubs and Chelsea do. Goodluck to Walters no time to waste. Go to Borussia Dortmund or PSV .
We really need to start getting rid of deadwood but more importantly MA needs to start giving some of our talented youngsters game time.
There’s been games where we are absolutely cruising but he won’t bring on a youngster while resting a first team player, can’t understand it.
Nwaneni and Cozier-Duberry come to mind
Arteta, unlike Pep, Klupp and Teng Hag don ‘t like promoting young players He was playing Cedric while Reuel sat on the bench. He likes dealing with older players.l
Honestly a bit concerning regarding how Arteta does not really look to capitalize on our academy talent.
Everyone will not make it in the first team, but concerning that many are not even tried or given a chance.
Cedric has been a ghost; Walters or Souza could have been promoted to train and develop with the first team to see their level and assistant coaches coach them up. No pressure to produce as we already have cover, but include them to analyze their ability level.
Elneny was also a ghost; Patino could have been promoted, not like Elneny featured in games this year. Again, a missed opportunity to evaluate a player while having cover in the position.
There is an alarming trend of academy talent leaving without a good look in the first team. We have 4 talented attacking players on the periphery now, I wonder what their future holds?
Why not promote 1 for Vieira’s spot? It’s not like he plays or features enough. Same question for ESR, either play him or promote; it’s not like the spot is being given playing time anyway.
This is an area of the club that needs to improve. Not everyone will make it, but so far none have made it or even tried under Arteta in the last 4 1/2 years
Said everything I feel. These kids don’t expect to go straight into the 1st team, but why not use them 10 minutes here, 20 minutes there. They get brought to 1st team training & get sat on the bench giving them hope & then the door is slammed in their faces. Walters has been an unused sub 21 times this season, how soul destroying. It happened with Omari Hutchinson but he decided to go to Chelsea where he actually got a few games before they sent him to Ipswich for game time. He’s just ended season as one of their best players, while getting them promotion. Still be on bench at Arsenal. The youth are how the club grow. All Arteta wants to do is spend money on ‘big names’. Look at the youngsters Klopp/Pep drip feed into the team. Think this will come back to bite Arsenal on the bum.
I appreciate your concerns, but in the case of Walters who is a RB or RCB, he is faced with severe competition from White, Tomi, Timber and last but not least Saliba.Faced with these high hurdles, I can appreciate why the young man believes his future lies elsewhere.
One thing that can be thrown at Arteta these last 5 seasons is, the lack of youth players given the opportunity in league and FA cups. If I was an Arsenal youth, I would be looking at the chances, players from our accademy have had and like you say, go where I could play. Thats not at Arsenal, sadly.
Arteta may win the epl title, and surely a second place finish guaranteed in a tough tough league now. That’s quite a feat. However, I never like him, not the way he treats people.
To me, the sport, any sport at all, is not only about winning. If we take the humanity out of the equation, we are just a bunch of monkeys kicking a ball.
You don’t like him because of the way he treats people ? Care to explain ?
Ps, professional sport is all about winning.
A lot of young players seem to wising up and making moves instead of staying at a club that will just loan them elsewhere.
I cannot blame them
Dear FD, Do I still need to answer any one of your two questions ?
Yes please.
Man 45 min in and spurs playing from the back nearly gave me a heart attack more than once, how do their fans do it🤣🤣🤣