Josh Nichols set to leave Arsenal to join Croatian club NK Kustosija | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Josh Nichols is set to join Croatian club NK Kustosija this summer.

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 manager Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Nichols was part of the Premier League-winning squad, having been named on the bench several times this term, but he did not make an appearance.

The right-back joined Arsenal aged eight, signing a professional contract 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 League Cup win over Bolton Wanderers.

Nichols is not the only player set to leave this summer, with some first-team stars also expected to move on as Arsenal revamp their squad.

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 up short in the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League this season.

They must improve their squad depth next term if they are to challenge effectively across all four competitions, and their transfer business this summer will be crucial.

Gunners’ sporting director Andrea Berta will look to get the best players available to boost Arteta’s squad.