EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal step up contract talks with Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry

Steve Kay

• 28 Dec 2023 11:00 CST
• 2 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal have stepped up contract talks with academy graduates Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry, FootballTransfers can reveal..

The Gunners are keen on securing the futures of these promising players, with several clubs attempting to lure them away next year.

We are told Newcastle are admirers of Walters - with Dan Ashworth, the club’s technical director, hoping to bolster the club with some of the best young names playing in England today.

However, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is adamant about not parting ways with Walters permanently but would be open to a loan move to see his development rise.

With Jurrien Timber expected to return to action at the end of February following a length injury he sustained at the start of the year, we are told that Arsenal aim to ensure Walters is match-fit and ready to contribute effectively in the latter part of the season.

The Dutchman is anticipated to make his comeback against Newcastle on February 24th at the Emirates Stadium.

Cozier-Duberry is another that Arsenal are hoping to tie up to fresh terms, with his contract expiring in the summer.

Will Arsenal spend much in the January transfer window?

Arteta recently underscored Arsenal’s desire to make purchases in the upcoming window. He told a press conference: “At the moment, it is very difficult. We are really short. We have positions that we have been very exposed for the last six weeks and hopefully we are going to get players back. In what condition and when?

“That’s a question mark and as well because we have some long-term injuries still for certain players that give us a lot of versatility and that’s an issue. We have certain targets, ideas if things happen. As well, we don’t know how the squad is going to look in two weeks’ time and you have to be always prepared for that.”