I have told Man United board to sign Him at all cost, He’s exactly what we are lacking now at United,I know they gave us Chido Obi and Heaven but we need Him too here”, Rio Ferdinand named the ONE Arsenal Academy player that He wants Man United to sign now after having an outstanding season with the Gunners – Not Lewis Skelly and Not Nwaneri

I Told Man United to Sign Him at All Costs” – Rio Ferdinand Urges Red Devils to Snap Up Arsenal Academy Sensation After Outstanding Breakthrough Season

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has never been one to mince his words, and once again, the former Red Devils captain has made headlines with a bold and passionate plea to the United board. This time, it’s not about first-team tactics or defensive issues—it’s about a rising star from one of their fiercest rivals: Arsenal.

“I have told the Manchester United board to sign him at all costs,” Ferdinand revealed during a recent appearance on his YouTube show FIVE. “He’s exactly what we are lacking now at United. I know they gave us Chido Obi and Heaven [Heavenly Igbinoghene], but we need him too here.”

While many fans initially speculated that Ferdinand was referring to well-known Arsenal starlets like Ethan Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly, the former England international quickly shut those guesses down. “Not Lewis-Skelly, not Nwaneri,” Ferdinand clarified. “This kid is different. The way he reads the game, his mentality, his presence—it’s all elite. He’s the one United must go for.”

Though Ferdinand stopped short of naming the player directly during the initial broadcast, sources close to the former defender have confirmed that the player in question is Reuell Walters, the 19-year-old Arsenal Academy defender who has been quietly building a reputation as one of the most technically gifted and mentally mature young defenders in England.

Walters, who has spent the 2023/24 season impressing both in the Premier League 2 and during senior training sessions under Mikel Arteta, has caught the eye of multiple top clubs. Known for his composure on the ball, versatility (capable of playing both as a right-back and centre-back), and aggressive but intelligent style of defending, Walters has been hailed by coaches as a “leader in the making.”

Ferdinand’s desire to see Walters at Old Trafford is not just about raw talent—it’s about filling a void. “Look at our defense,” he said. “Injuries, inconsistency, a lack of pace and calmness under pressure—we’re crying out for someone who plays like Walters. He’s young, but he plays with the brain of a 28-year-old who’s been in the game for a decade. Trust me, he’d fit right in and raise the bar for everyone else.”

While Arsenal would be reluctant to let such a gem slip through their fingers—especially to a direct rival—Ferdinand’s public push adds fuel to what could become a dramatic summer storyline. With United keen to inject youth and hunger into their aging and injury-prone backline, a move for a player like Walters would not only make sense tactically but also send a statement of intent.

“I’m not saying he walks into the starting XI immediately,” Ferdinand admitted. “But give him a season, maybe two, and you’ll be talking about one of the best defenders in the league. And the scary part is—he’s still improving.”

As United look to rebuild and reshape under Erik ten Hag, who has shown a willingness to trust in young talent, Ferdinand’s comments could spark movement behind the scenes. Could Reuell Walters become the next big talent to swap red for… a different red?

One thing is certain—when Rio Ferdinand speaks, people at Old Trafford listen. Now, it’s up to the United hierarchy to decide whether they’ll act on his advice and snatch away one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects before he fully explodes onto the Premier League scene.

That’s a *huge* endorsement from Rio, and it’s not something he throws around lightly—especially considering the player in question is from **Arsenal**, one of United’s fiercest rivals. **Reuell Walters** might not be the flashiest name right now, but those who’ve been tracking youth football know how *highly rated* he is within the Arsenal setup.

The fact that Ferdinand is pushing for him “at all costs” shows how much he rates Walters’ **mentality and tactical intelligence**, not just raw ability. Given United’s current issues at the back—aging defenders, persistent injuries, lack of versatility—someone like Walters could be a long-term investment that pays off in a season or two.

Also interesting is that Ferdinand referenced United being gifted **Chido Obi-Martin** and **Heavenly Igbinoghene**, two highly rated prospects—suggesting there’s already a quiet channel of talent exchanges between the English giants. If that line stays open, maybe a move for Walters isn’t totally out of reach.

The big question is: **Would Arsenal really sell him to United?** That’s a tough ask unless his contract is winding down or he’s feeling blocked in the first-team pathway.

Would you like me to look into Walters’ current contract situation or potential transfer value?