Josh Nichols shares Arsenal coaches' advice after he was offered first professional contract

Talented Nigerian right-back Josh Nichols was rewarded with his first professional contract at Arsenal in July 2024.

Nichols appeared in thirty-one matches for Arsenal youth teams last term, including six games in the UEFA Youth League.

His stock has risen this season, having traveled with the first team to the United States for pre-season preparations, before going on to make his senior debut in a Carabao Cup clash against Bolton Wanderers in September 2024.

Nichols has been called up for three Premier League games so far this season and was an unused substitute against Preston North End in the League Cup, showcasing his potential as a star in the making.

Known for his versatility and ability to play in multiple defensive roles, the 18-year-old joined Arsenal at the age of eight.

Josh has played for the Gunners youth teams in the Premier League 2, EFL Trophy and UEFA Youth League in 2024-2025.

Nichols said he received encouragement from Arsenal coaches after he was offered his first professional contract.

Sharing the advice he got from the coaching staff, he told Arsenal's official website: "When I was offered the deal, the coaches said I had earned it. 

"They told me I’d been making a lot of progress and deserved the contract, encouraging me to keep going. 

"However, they also emphasized that earning a pro deal is one thing, but staying at the club and playing games for the first team is another challenge altogether. "

With Arsenal having a reputation for nurturing talent, Nichols could break into the first team on a fulltime basis if he continues to impress for the development squad.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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