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Who is Arsenal ace Josh Nichols? Neymar influence, West Ham rejection, Gunners hero mentor

Arsenal prospect Josh Nichols.
-Credit: (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)


Mikel Arteta was tipped to field a young team for tonight's Carabao Cup fixture against Bolton Wanderers.

After a physically and mentally taxing 90 minutes during their 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Sunday, the Arsenal manager would have been keen to rest several key players for the cup tie. And that has proven to be the case with Nichols among those named in his matchday squad against League One visitors at the Emirates Stadium.

On the fitness issues that have ravaged his squad of late, Arteta said: "I always prefer the facts than words or supposing things, so let's see who's available [vs Bolton] and then we can talk about 'dark arts' or these things. Unfortunately, there will be a few players who are not available. You will find it as soon as I give the line-up. We have to wait on one of them."

However, the Arsenal manager did confirm that several youngsters could have a role to play against Bolton, as he added: "It's a great opportunity for any player to show what they are bringing in the games who haven't had the ability to play much yet, to transform what they're doing in training to give us the right reason and perform on the pitch."

One of the youngsters in question is Newham-born 18-year-old Nichols. He grew up supporting the Gunners.

Nichols, who is a right-back by trade, grew up in Dagenham but then moved to Essex at nine years old, where he began playing Sunday League football for a local team. His talent was quickly spotted by West Ham, who offered him a trial, but the defender was not successful at that juncture. Chelsea then came calling but, as he explained in an interview with Arsenal.com earlier this year, Nichols said the journey was 'too far' to make.

Arsenal's fiercest rivals Tottenham also tried their luck, but it was Arsenal who secured his signature, after initially deciding not to sign him. Since then, Nichols has played from Under-9s level all the way through to Under-21s and has been thrown in for his first senior appearance tonight.

As a scholar, the defender made a transition from Hale End to Sobha Reality which he cited as 'more intense.' He credited Under-18s coach and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, saying: "Being coached by Jack Wilshere in the Under-18s is a real blessing, because he's got such invaluable experience and was playing first-team at the ages we're at now. He's so good to work with and I enjoy every minute of it."

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Speaking in April, the talented defender added: "I've played Under-21s football more regularly this season and it's completely different from Under-18s football. It's a lot more physical and, being one of the smallest in the team, it has its challenges, but it's an amazing experience - and I've adapted well to it."

Despite being a defender, Nichols has explained how famous Brazilian stars such as Ronaldinho and Neymar were his idols growing up alongside Lionel Messi, with their skills catching his eye when he was first being introduced to the beautiful game.

Nichols signed his first professional contract in July 2024. He called it a "dream come true".

Tonight, the right-back has lived out another dream. He can now call himself a first-team player!

The right-back is eligible represent England as he was born in London. However, he also qualifies for Nigeria due to his mother's heritage, while his father's side of the family have links to Jamaica and Guyana - giving the youngster a plethora of options when it comes to a possible future on the international stage.