Reuell Walters is set to leave Arsenal upon the expiration of his contract this summer.
Walters, 19, was offered a new deal by Arsenal but decided it would not be the right next step for his development.
Arsenal believe that Walters’ departure is mutual, but sources close to the player insist that the defender is leaving after declining the club’s offer of fresh terms.
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If Walters’ exit is by mutual consent, then no training compensation — the amount paid to clubs for developing young talent — would be due to Arsenal. Should he move to an English club, however, Arsenal can set the amount of training compensation.
Able to play right-back and centre-back, he has been at the club since November 2020 and has made 55 appearances for the under-21s since making his debut at 16.
Last season, he was a key part of the under-18 side that made it to the FA Youth Cup final against West Ham. Walters has also been on the first team bench 21 times but not made his senior debut for the club.
Walters, who also holds a German passport, has been monitored by clubs in the Premier League, Championship, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Belgium.
Talks with English clubs, however, are not permitted to take place until May 18.
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Due to the defender’s German passport, if he moves to Europe that will be set by FIFA at €90,000 (£77,460) per-year he was at the club — €360,000 (£309,790) for four years at Arsenal.
If he moves to an English club, Arsenal can set the amount of training compensation.
Walters is highly rated by academy staff at Arsenal, who voted him Arsenal’s Academy Scholar of the Year for the 2022-23 season.
He was called upon by first team manager Mikel Arteta in both 2022 and 2023 pre-season tours and appears to be in the mould of what Arteta looks for in a defender, but at a critical age for development as a footballer, first-team exposure is a priority.
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
