Reuell Walters has signed for Luton Town after leaving Arsenal at the end of his contract this summer.

Arsenal academy defender Reuell Walters has signed a four-year contract with Luton Town, with the Championship club confirming his arrival on Thursday.

“Pathway is very important to him,” Luton boss Rob Edwards said of the move. “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.”

“I’m really excited by the challenge ahead,” Walters said. “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.

“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.”

Walters effectively confirmed his Arsenal exit back in May, posting a farewell to the club on social media.

“Thank you to everyone that’s made this part of my career special,” Walters wrote on Twitter. “It’s been a pleasure playing for this club and I wish you all the best for the future.”

The Gunners clearly felt an offer was still on the table, naming him as a player in contract negotiations in June, but Walters’ goodbye post made it clear there was no chance of him signing it.

Arsenal eventually confirmed Walters’ exit at the start of July. The youngster was out of contract, but due to his age Arsenal will be due a training compensation fee from Luton.

With all the competition at right-back and centre-back at Arsenal, it’s no real surprise that Walters didn’t believe he’d get regular minutes with the Gunners.

It’s a shame he couldn’t have extended his deal and gone out on loan, but he evidently wanted a longer-term solution.