Arsenal defender Josh Nichols is set to leave the Emirates Stadium club and join Croatian club NK Kustosija this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 19-year-old Gunners academy graduate has agreed a two-year deal and will look to prove himself in Croatia after struggling to break into Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Nichols was part of the Premier League winning squad having been named on the bench a few times this term, but he did not get to featured for the North London club.
🚨🇭🇷 19 year old defender Josh Nichols leaves Arsenal and he’s set to sign for Croatian side NK Kustosija.
Agreement in place on two year contract for Nichols who will continue his career in Croatia after being part of PL winners squad. pic.twitter.com/S5Rpc7Ghs0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2026
The right-back joined Arsenal aged eight, signing a professional contract with them in July 2024.
He went on tour with the Gunners first-team squad that summer before making his professional debut in September 2024 in the 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers.
Nichols is not the only player set to leave the Gunners this summer, with a couple of first-team stars also expected to move on as Arsenal prepare to keep dominating going forward.
The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri are all likely to be sold as Arteta prepares for next season’s title defence.
Arsenal came short in the Champions League and Carabao Cup this term, failing to win the finals of both competitions, and they will look to go one better next season.
The North Londoners need a better squad depth next term if they are to challenge effectively across all four competitions, and their transfer business this summer will be crucial.
They need reinforcements across all areas of the pitch and Gunners’ sporting director Andrea Berta will look to get the best players available to boost Arteta’s squad.
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