Josh Nichols leaves Arsenal for Croatian club NK Kustosija after decade at Hale End

Josh Nichols has left Arsenal after more than a decade at the club, signing a two-year deal with Croatian side NK Kustosija as his professional contract expires at the end of June. The 19-year-old defender came through the Hale End academy and trained regularly with Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad this season.

Nichols made a single senior appearance for Arsenal — a Carabao Cup tie against Bolton in 2024 — and was included in the squad for the 3-0 Champions League victory over Club Brugge in December. He featured regularly for the under-21s throughout the campaign before confirming his departure on social media.

“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.”

He added: “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. Once a Gunner always a Gunner.”

Several current and former Arsenal players responded to the post. Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, and Reiss Nelson all left supportive reactions, as did Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven, himself a former Hale End product. Max Dowman wrote: “All the best my brother.”

Nichols departs as part of a broader squad overhaul at Arsenal, who claimed the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years this season. Arteta is looking to bring in significant reinforcements, with reported interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, and Bournemouth youngster Junior Kroupi. To fund those moves, a number of senior players are understood to be available, including Reiss Nelson, Christian Nørgaard, Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Ethan Nwaneri.