The 18-year-old goalkeeper, who is a youth international for England, will join the Gunners from Ajax on a four-year contract.
The transfer fee agreed upon by the two clubs is reportedly just under €1 million, with the potential for additional bonuses. Setford, born in Haarlem, the Netherlands, holds dual nationality and will continue his development in England, working with the same goalkeeper coach he has with the English national youth teams.
Arsenal‘s interest in Setford stemmed from their desire to strengthen their goalkeeping department after the departures of Ovie Ejeheri, James Hillson, and Arthur Okonkwo this summer. The club has already secured the signing of 18-year-old Danish youth international Lucas Nygaard and will now add Setford to their ranks.
Setford, who has yet to make his first-team debut for Ajax, will initially join Arsenal‘s Under-21 squad. However, he could potentially be involved in the first-team setup during pre-season with David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale still on holiday, providing an opportunity to showcase his abilities to manager Mikel Arteta.
Fabrizio Romano, the football transfer journalist, confirmed the impending signing on Twitter, stating, “18 year old goalkeeper Tommy Setford, set to become new Arsenal player by signing his contract today.”
Ajax, despite their reluctance to part ways with Setford, felt compelled to cash in on the young goalkeeper as he was entering the final year of his contract. Arsenal‘s offer, which includes a tailored long-term sporting plan, proved enticing enough for Setford to make the switch to North London.
Tommy Setford Your new 18 year old GK pic.twitter.com/BojNpvjljR
— Bernoise️ (@laughatbarca) July 21, 2024
Setford’s arrival marks Arsenal‘s third goalkeeper signing this summer, following the acquisitions of Lucas Nygaard and David Raya. While he doesn’t currently hold homegrown status in England, he is eligible to be registered on Arsenal‘s under-21 list and could potentially gain homegrown status by the end of his third season at the club.
The young goalkeeper had a promising season with Ajax‘s under-18 team, keeping six clean sheets in 15 games. He also represented England at the under-18 and under-19 levels and was recently called up to the under-20 squad.
