19-year-old now expected to leave Arsenal despite ‘talking about a new contract’

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Arsenal have several top young talents coming through the academy right now, and defender Reuell Walters is a prospect earmarked for a bright future.

The 19-year-old has impressed in the academy and has appeared in Mikel Arteta’s matchday squad on several occasions.

However, he is yet to make his first-team debut, much to the frustration of the Arsenal fanbase during their win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League when the group was already won, and Cedric Soares appeared instead.

Arteta brought fellow youngster Ethan Nwaneri on against West Ham on Sunday, but Walters was again an unused substitute whilst Cedric, who nearly left in the January window, came on for Ben White instead.

Reuell Walters could leave Arsenal in the summer

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Charles Watts claimed that whilst Walters could yet sign a new deal at Arsenal, the more likely scenario is that he departs in the summer.

“Maybe you could say that Walters should’ve got some opportunities, I think he should have done, certainly in the PSV game,” he stated.

“There was some disappointment that Cedric came on ahead of him in the game at the weekend but I’m not sure what Walters’ future is in terms of Arsenal.

“I know they’re talking about a new contract at the moment, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Walters ended up going in the summer.”

Does Reuell Walters have a future at Arsenal?

Given that Walters failed to make his debut so far when Arsenal have had injuries at the back and a general lack of depth in his position, his future at the club is far from certain.

It is difficult for young players to gain chances, especially in a position in the back line, as it comes with a great deal of risk for a manager, as Arsene Wenger once told Gael Clichy.

Walters could perhaps sign a contract and go out on loan to gain senior experience, as it seems highly unlikely that he will gain any opportunities once Jurrien Timber returns from injury.

The defender needs to play regularly at this point in his career, and whilst he is promising, the harsh reality is that not every top talent from Hale End will end up succeeding at Arsenal, particularly with Arteta’s side challenging at the top end of the Premier League and Champions League.