Arsenal youngster tipped to become as good as William Saliba nearly joined Manchester United 

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal youngster Reuell Walters was actually close to joining Manchester United back in 2020.

That’s according to The Telegraph, with the outlet claiming the Premier League blocked the move before the youngster joined Arsenal.

Reuell Walters looks set for a bright future ahead at Arsenal after joining their academy three years ago.

The 18-year-old is pushing to make his debut for the Gunners in the Champions League tonight, with Mikel Arteta set to rotate his side against PSV.

Walters could be the next star to come through the Hale End Academy set-up if he continues on his current trajectory.

Indeed, Arsenal insiders reportedly believed he could become as good as their star defender William Saliba in the future. But it could have worked out differently for Walters as he nearly made the switch to Old Trafford back in 2020. 

Walters nearly joined Man United

The Telegraph reports that Walters was close to joining United before the Premier League blocked the move in 2020.

It’s noted that the move didn’t go through due to United already having too many players on their books at the time.

Walters then made the switch to North London and penned a professional deal last year, with talks over a new contract underway now.

Arsenal boast a brilliant track record of developing youngsters in recent years, with Bukayo Saka the standout academy graduate at the moment. Ethan Nwaneri also made his Premier League debut last season and became the youngest-ever player to feature in the competition. 

The likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah have also come through the academy set-up in North London.

Walters is clearly highly thought of at Arsenal and seems to be close to getting an opportunity in the first team.

It could have gone a lot differently had Walters’ move to Old Trafford not been blocked. But Arsenal will be thankful they managed to snap up the youngster at the time.