Arsenal confirm 2 player exits after new contracts rejected

Arsenal have confirmed the reported departures of academy duo Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry, with both players turning down new contracts.

Posting on the official club website on Monday, Arsenal confirmed that Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry have left the club.

The statement wished both players well for the future, with the youth duo turning down new contracts that would have seen them remaining in north London.

When Arsenal confirmed their released list at the start of June, Walters and Cozier-Duberry were two of three players whose status was unconfirmed, with the other being Karl Hein.

The Gunners listed all three as still being in contract negotiations, but whilst Hein went on to extend his deal, the other two didn’t.

Walters effectively confirmed his exit back in May, posting a farewell to Arsenal on social media. The Gunners clearly felt an offer was still on the table, but Walters’ goodbye post made it clear there was no chance of him signing it.

As for Cozier-Duberry, the winger genuinely did appear to be in talks with Arsenal in June, but he finally informed the club of his intention to leave on June 20th.

With both players’ contracts expiring on Sunday, Arsenal have now officially confirmed that they’ve left the club.

It’s not clear where either player is going next. Cozier-Duberry reportedly has offers from England and a number of countries across Europe, with Newcastle United possibly the most heavily-linked.

Walters has also been monitored by clubs in England and abroad, with Rangers mentioned in early June, but no obvious progress since then.

Arsenal will be due a training compensation fee for the duo when they sign for new clubs.