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Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Opinion

Forget Max Dowman, another ‘impressive’ youth player proved his worth to Mikel Arteta in Arsenal’s clash with AC Milan

Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte

Arsenal fans were treated to a solid pre-season friendly display on Wednesday afternoon as the Gunners took on AC Milan at the Singapore National Stadium.

Bukayo Saka scored the winner for Arsenal in the 53rd minute, firing in from close range following a lovely Jakub Kiwior delivery.

And while Arsenal lost the ensuing penalty shootout, there were still plenty of positives for Mikel Arteta to take from the game.

One of the highlights of the match was Max Dowman’s display, the 15-year-old doing incredibly well off the bench on his unofficial Arsenal debut.

However, he was not the only Hale End youngster to catch the eye on the day.

Josh Nichols of Arsenal controls the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and AC Milan at National Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Singapore
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Josh Nichols impresses for Arsenal against AC Milan

Arteta also brought on Josh Nichols, and he too had a solid game, showing he has the necessary tools to become a star in the game.

The 18-year-old came off the bench alongside Dowman, Marli Salmon and Mikel Merino, and he made a good impact against Rafael Leao.

Nichols looked tenacious and energetic, showed good balance, and even converted his penalty in the shootout.

In terms of stats, Nichols won all three of the ground duels he contested, weighed in with three tackles, and boasted a pass accuracy of 92 percent.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta issues immediate response when asked whether Viktor Gyokeres will play in Arsenal’s next game

What the future could hold for Josh Nichols

Nichols will certainly fancy his chances of featuring more prominently during the rest of Arsenal’s pre-season.

However, Arteta is set to have three players who can play or cover at centre-back next season in Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera.

With that in mind, Arsenal youth team expert Jeorge Bird has suggested that Nichols would benefit from a loan this coming season.

previously described Nichols as a ‘hard-working full-back who is capable of operating on either side of the pitch’ and who is ‘impressive at winning the ball back’.

Arsenal fans were able to see this on Wednesday and they will be hoping for more of the same over the coming weeks and beyond.