Arsenal are planning to refresh their senior squad this summer and one of their academy graduates who regularly trained with Mikel Arteta's group has announced his departure
Viktor Gyokeres and Josh Nichols of Arsenal during a training session
Josh Nichols regularly trained with the Arsenal first team(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal defender Josh Nichols has written an emotional farewell message to the club ahead of his move away this summer. Nichols regularly trained with Mikel Arteta's first-team squad this season, but is now heading to pastures new.
The 19-year-old only made one first-team appearance, against Bolton in the Carabao Cup in 2024, but was included in the squad when Arsenal beat Club Brugge 3-0 in the Champions League in December. He turned out regularly for the under-21s this season, but will now leave the club behind.
Nichols came through the Hale End academy and the professional contract he signed in 2024 is set to expire at the end of June. He has already lined up a new club, with Croatian club NK Kustosija taking him on a two-year deal.
"It’s hard to put into words what this club means to me," Nichols wrote on Instagram. "This hasn’t just been a team I’ve played for. It’s been a second family, a place where I started as a little boy, made lifelong memories, and shared unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch with my brothers!
"Over the past decade, I’ve experienced the highs, the lows, the victories, the disappointments, and everything in between. Through it all, my love for this club has never changed.
"Wearing this badge has always been an honour, and every time I stepped onto the pitch, I gave everything I had because this club means so much to me.
"I want to thank every teammate, coach, supporter, and most importantly my family for making these years so special. I loved every single moment. Once a Gunner always a Gunner. Thank you @arsenal."
Kai Havertz and Josh Nichols of Arsenal during a training session
Josh Nichols will leave when his contract expires(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Max Dowman replied with: "All the best my brother". Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber and Reiss Nelson all sent love heart emojis, as did Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven, who was previously at the Arsenal academy.
Nichols is one of many players who are leaving Arsenal this summer, with a squad overhaul set to take place. Despite winning the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, Arteta wants to refresh the squad with new arrivals.
The Gunners are interested in signing Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and Bournemouth youngster Junior Kroupi. But to fund those possible deals, he needs to clear the decks, with the likes of Nelson, Christian Norgaard, Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri among those available for transfer.
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