Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Tommy Setford from Ajax. The transfer fee is reported to be around €1 million with potential add-ons.
https://twitter.com/ArsenalAcademy/status/1814978999845859491
Setford, despite being born and raised in the Netherlands, plays for England’s youth teams. He was part of the U-17 squad alongside current Arsenal youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly at last year’s World Cup.
While not currently classified as a homegrown player, Setford can achieve that status by spending three years with an English FA club before turning 21. His Arsenal contract reportedly lasts four years.
Setford is the latest addition to Arsenal’s goalkeeping department after David Raya’s permanent transfer from Brentford and Lucas Nygaard’s recruitment for the Academy. This comes after five youth goalkeepers left the club at the end of June.
In his first interview, Setford expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his eagerness to get started. He also mentioned being familiar with Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly from England youth camps.
Arsenal might not be done strengthening their goalkeeping options. Reports suggest they are looking to sign two more goalkeepers before the transfer window closes. That is likely to replace Aaron Ramsdale, who desires a move away for regular playing time.
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