Rangers now have the opportunity to make a move to sign Reuell Walters after the youngster was officially released by Arsenal.
The club confirmed the young right-back had left on 1 July despite having previously remained in talks over a new contract when a host of other players were allowed to leave [Standard, 3 June].
There is interest in the 19-year-old at Ibrox although the Daily Record reported on 4 June that the club would not move to sign anyone at the position unless the offload one first.
However, speculation that long-time starter and record-breaking club captain James Tavernier could leave has mounted amid interest from Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq [Daily Record, 24 April] and Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Besiktas [Bulent Uzlu, 9 June] this summer.
If the veteran Englishman does depart the coast is now clear to sign his young compatriot Walters on a free transfer, although a compensation fee would be expected.
That the teenager is now available is seen as something of a surprise with The Sun branding the relaese of the “wonderkid” a “shock” move after news broke (1 July).
It is currently expected that a previous free agent arrival from a London-based Premier League giant will be the man to take over at right-back in Dujon Sterling [Rangers Review, 17 June].
James Tavernier could leave Ibrox this summer
But the ex-Chelsea man has already proven himself so useful to Philippe Clement in so many positions across is debut campaign in Glasgow that he could be pressed into action elsewhere.
Tavernier is one of the few players not to be affected by the near-endless injury issues at Ibrox in recent years, rendering meaningful back-up virtually moot, but it would be a risk to go forward without cover.
It has already been claimed that the Gers skipper has agreed terms on a Saudi Pro League exit [The Gallant Few, 19 June] but a deal with the club has yet to materialise.
However, if it does the door has now opened for the Light Blues to land a talented young replacement option for a minimal price, and add him to the likes of Jefte, Clinton Nsiala, Connor Barron and Oscar Cortes as players who fit that description to have already come in this summer.
