Arsenal are planning to revamp their first team this summer, with one academy graduate who regularly trained in Mikel Arteta’s group announcing his departure.
Josh Nicholls was training regularly with Arsenal’s first team (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal defender Josh Nicholls has written a touching farewell message to the club ahead of his move this summer. Nicholls has been training regularly 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 in 2024, against Bolton in the Carabao Cup, but was named in Arsenal’s squad when they beat Club Brugge 3-0 in the Champions League in December. He has featured regularly for the U-21 national team this season, but will now be leaving the club.
Nicholls, a Hale End academy product, signed a professional contract in 2024 that expires at the end of June. He has already lined up a new club, signing a two-year contract with Croatian club NK Kustosia.
“It’s hard to explain in words what this club means to me,” Nichols wrote on Instagram. “This is not just the team I played for. This is my second family, the place where I started at an early age, where I made lifelong memories and shared unforgettable moments with my brothers on and off the pitch.
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“Over the past 10 years I have experienced the good, the bad, the victories, the disappointments and everything in between. Through it all, my love for this club has never changed.
“It has always been an honor to wear this badge and this club means so much to me that I have given it my all every time I step on the pitch.
“I would like to thank all my teammates, coaches, supporters and most importantly my family for making the last few years so special. I loved every moment. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner. Thank you @arsenal.”
Josh Nicholls will leave the club when his contract expires (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Max Dauman replied, “I wish my brother the best of luck.” Miles Lewis-Skelly, Julian Timber and Reiss Nelson all sent love heart emojis, as did Manchester United defender Aiden Haven, formerly of Arsenal’s academy.
Nicholls is one of a number of players to leave Arsenal this summer, with an overhaul of the squad set to take place. Despite winning the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, Arteta is keen to refresh his squad with new signings.
The Gunners are interested in signing Aston Villa star Morgan Rodgers, Atletico Madrid striker Julián Alvarez and Bournemouth young star Junior Crupi. However, to fund those potential deals, players such as Nelson, Christian Norgaard, Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri would need to be included in the list.
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