Versatile England youth international defender Reuell Walters has become the Hatters’ second summer arrival following his departure from Arsenal.
The highly regarded 19-year-old spent time in the academy at Tottenham Hotspur until making the switch to their north London rivals in 2020, going onto signing professional forms at Emirates Stadium in February 2022.
Capable of playing in wide or central defensive positions, the Londoner has been capped at under-18, under-19 and under-20 level for England, most recently appearing for the Three Lions’ Elite League Squad in March in a victory over Czechia.
Reuell was a regular for the Gunners in their academy fixtures last term, featuring 23 times and his performances earned him a place on the bench eight times for the first team in the Premier League.
However, after being unable to make a senior appearance under Mikel Arteta, the defender has decided to pursue regular first team football by turning down a new deal at Arsenal to join the Hatters.
Manager Rob Edwards said: “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’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.
“He’s got brilliant support, great family. He’s got loads of ability and high potential.
“He can play in a number of positions – right-back, right centre-back, right wing-back – and he’d be able to do the middle as well. He’s got lots of strings to his bow.
“He’s a young player, so there is no pressure. But we see him as someone who could potentially make an impact this season and I really hope he does. We’re looking forward to getting to working with him.”
After completing his medical at The Brache, Reuell said: “I’m really excited by the challenge ahead. I think I resonate with all the club’s beliefs.
“I like the style of play, I get along with Rob really well and there are a few friendly faces from the past here as well.
“Zack Nelson and Axel Piesold were at Tottenham’s academy with me when I was younger. We’ve known each other from when we were young and have kept in contact the last few years, so some things just come back around.”
Asked what his goals are for the new season, he adds: “Just to get my head down and work.
“I haven’t played in the Championship before. It’s going to be my first real experience of first team football, so I just want to come in, improve the team, work my way up and see what goes from there.”
Welcome to Luton, Reuell!
