Sheffield Wednesday should consider signing an ‘aggressive’ youngster who could be available for free this summer.
Pol Valentin enjoyed a much-improved second half of his first campaign at Sheffield Wednesday, being hailed as a ‘fan favourite’.
With Liam Palmer not quite as suited to playing as a wing-back, it leaves Valentin as the Owls’ only real option in that area of the pitch.
It may be a position that Danny Rohl looks to bolster, though it won’t be at the top of his priorities and he is unlikely to want to splash his budget on a new right-back.
Instead, a dive into the free agent market could be necessary, though the perfect addition is not yet available on a free transfer.
Reuell Walters was named as one player who is in discussions over a new contract at Arsenal, though reports have claimed that the youngster is unlikely to sign a new deal and could leave in search of regular first-team football.
Walters came through Tottenham’s academy until he joined Arsenal in 2020, having been sought after by both Manchester United and Man City too.
The 19-year-old has since risen up through the ranks in North London and made 16 appearances in Premier League 2 last season, while he has been an unused substitute for the senior team eleven times.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is a big fan of Reuell Walters
Walters is very highly-rated at Arsenal and has come under heavy praise from teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE podcast last summer, the Ukrainian said: “I like so much centre-back Reuell. I think the qualities he has, he is aggressive. I swear to God, one time he pushed Gabriel Jesus in a shoulder-to-shoulder. It is not easy to push Gabriel because he is very strong, and he was confident on the ball afterwards, he kept the ball well and passed. Wow. He impresses me I think the most.”
Despite impressing Zinchenko, Walters still hasn’t made his senior debut for the Gunners and is now pushing for the exit door in search of a fresh start.
Sheffield Wednesday could bag themselves a real coup
The youngster’s versatility means he can show his strengths at both right-back and centre-back, while he is thought to have bags of potential – hence why Arsenal are so eager to keep hold of him.
Walters looks to be a huge coup if he decides against signing a new contract with Arsenal, and it comes as no surprise that a number of clubs are interested.
Rangers and Southampton have both been linked with the defender, while reports have claimed anumber of Championship clubs are also after him.
He is definitely one to keep an eye on for Sheffield Wednesday, with Danny Rohl surely eager to bring in both some quality and some youth to the squad.
The Owls would have to cough up a minor compensation fee, but it could be worth it if he can live up to the hype.
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