Manager explains key reason why ‘dynamic’ talent chose to leave Arsenal, Arteta has been blamed

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Arsenal face a problem as several young talents have chosen to leave the club over concerns about their pathway to first-team action.

Arsenal recently lost young winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, who joined Brighton on a free transfer, and there is uncertainty over the future of Chido Obi-Martin as the striker is being courted by several clubs.

There are several Hale End Academy graduates in the first-team, with Bukayo Saka the most notable, but in recent years it has been a struggle for Mikel Arteta to give regular game time to young starlets as his side challenge for the Premier League title.

Young defender Reuell Walters was a victim of this, and he recently departed the club after turning down a new deal to join Luton Town, and his new manager Rob Edwards has explained the motivation behind his Arsenal exit.

Reuell Walters left Arsenal because of a lack of opportunities

Speaking to Luton Town club media following the confirmation of Walters’ arrival, Edwards highlighted the lack of a pathway for the youngster to succeed at Arsenal.

“Reuell is another person we are delighted to bring into the club. He’s a really exciting signing – a dynamic, quick, talented young player,” he stated.

“He’s had a brilliant upbringing at a couple of top clubs, and we are so pleased to get his move done.

“Pathway is very important to him. That is one of the reasons why he is leaving Arsenal. He had a number of inviting options, but we are so glad that he chose us and sees us as the right step to take on his journey now.”

Should Arsenal have given Reuell Walters more opportunities?

Fans have hit out at Arteta for letting a top Academy talent leave without being given a chance, but the reality is that the Arsenal side is more difficult to break into than ever.

The first-team now has quality depth in all areas, and even more established players such as Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira have struggled for opportunities.

Fans were frustrated when Cedric Soares was chosen ahead of Walters in the final Champions League group stage match against PSV Eindhoven, but this was perhaps the only chance where Walters may justifiably feel hard done by.

Ethan Nwaneri looks set for more game time as one of Arsenal’s best talents, and the reality is that even some of the best players coming through at Hale End may have to leave with no clear path to the first team.