Arsenal’s Hale End is as productive as it has been in some years, and Josh Nichols could be the next player to emerge from the academy.
The 17-year-old defender was recently named by the Evening Standard in the top 50 youngsters coming through at London-based clubs, alongside a host of other Arsenal players.
Whilst fans are familiar with Ethan Nwaneri, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Myles Lewis-Skelly, few know about Nichols, which is where we at Arsenal Insider are here to help.
Who is Josh Nichols?
Nichols is a 17-year-old right-back currently playing for Arsenal’s U-21s, with the teenager previously having spells at the likes of Chelsea, West Ham and even north London rivals Tottenham.
A defender who has progressed greatly this season, Nichols started the 2023/24 season in Arsenal’s U-18s, before progressing into the U-21s after an impressive run in the UEFA Youth League.
As per the Evening Standard’s report on Nichols, there are similarities between the defender and Arsenal superstar Ben White, with Mikel Arteta clearly having a particular idea of what he wants from his fullback.
Which is something that Nichols could inspire to become, with the right-back having experience at playing in the centre of the defence before finding a home for himself out on the flank at fullback.
How good is Josh Nichols?
With Nichols jumping around most of the major London clubs before ending up at Arsenal, it’s safe to say that the teenager has quite a bit of talent about him.
A fullback who is capable of playing on both the left and the right, Nichols’ versatility will make the defender a popular player amongst coaches looking to get the best out of the 17-year-old.
Described as a hard worker, Nichols’ work rate has been key to the youngster’s rapid progression in the Arsenal youth ranks, which is likely to end with a flourish with the U-21s this season.
Indeed, Arsenal are blessed with talented right-backs at academy level, and Nichols knows it will take a lot if the fullback is to catch Arteta’s eye and to break into the first-team.
Which Arsenal player does Josh Nichols compare to?
As previously mentioned, there is an element of White to Nichols’ game, a compliment that any young defender would love to hear at this stage in their career.
The 26-year-old Arsenal star has been one of the most consistent performers for Arsenal since signing in 2021, and Nichols has no doubt found inspiration in White after the central defender moved to right-back and excelled.
Indeed, Nichols is very much at the start of his Arsenal career, and the defender will hope one day he can emulate White’s success in Arteta’s senior team if given the chance to showcase his qualities.