Arsenal release academy players as contracts expire | OneFootball

Arsenal have confirmed a raft of departures as the club releases a group of players whose contracts will not be renewed when they expire on June 30.

Among the men’s players leaving are several who have featured at U21 and U18 level throughout the 2025-26 season, though only one can point to genuine first-team involvement.

Josh Nichols, the 19-year-old right-back from Newham, made his professional debut in a 5-1 League Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers in September 2024 and also featured in Arsenal’s pre-season tour the previous summer, catching the eye in a friendly against Manchester United.

His release will come as a surprise to some, and he is likely to attract plenty of interest from clubs lower down the pyramid given his first-team experience.

Nichols posted on Instagram: “It’s hard to put into words what this club means to me.

“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 team-mate, coach, supporter, and most importantly my family for making these years so special.

“I loved every single moment. Once a Gunner always a Gunner.”

The other male players departing, Sam Chapman, Harrison Dudziak, Seb Ferdinand, Cam’ron Ismail, Will Lannin-Sweet, Samuel Onyekachukwu and Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko, were predominantly U21 and U18 regulars.

Nichols was the club’s most-used U21 player this season with 13 appearances, ahead of Dudziak on 11 and Lannin-Sweet on 10. Ismail, a left-back who represents Egypt at youth level, was part of the U21 squad but did not make an appearance at that level this season.

Also departing are a number of high-profile women’s players including Beth Mead, Katie McCabe, Victoria Pelova and Manuela Zinsberger, whose exits had previously been announced by the club.

Arsenal have also confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the futures of Caitlin Foord, Aleksander Marciniak and Joshua Ogunnaike, with further announcements expected once those situations are resolved.