Arsenal announce arrival of goalkeeper Setford from Ajax

Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of young goalkeeper Tommy Setford from Ajax for just under £1 million.

Setford, who is an England youth international, arrives at the Emirates on a four-year deal, with the Gunners holding the option of a further 12 months.

The 18-year-old had entered the final year of his contract with Ajax, with the Dutch club opting to sell rather than risk losing him on a free next year.

Setford has been signed for the academy but will regularly train with the first team and will fly out to join Mikel Arteta’s squad for their pre-season tour of the United States.

The young goalkeeper has opted for a move to the Premier League due to the pathway to first-team opportunities at Arsenal.

Setford is the second teenage goalkeeper Arsenal have signed this transfer window, having already brought in Lucas Nygaard from Danish club FC Nordsjaelland.

During the 2023-24 season, Setford kept six clean sheets in 15 appearances for the Dutch club, conceding 15 goals in that time.

Tommy Setford is a Gunner

We are delighted to announce the signing of the English youth international goalkeeper to our academy

— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) July 21, 2024

“I want to thank Arsenal for this opportunity. I can’t wait to hit the ground running,” Setford told Arsenal’s official website.

“I already know Ethan [Nwnaeri] and Myles [Lewis-Skelly]. They’re great guys and I can have a good laugh with them.

“I spent a few camps with them, so I know them well. I just saw them for a quick meet and greet!

“I’m looking forward to learning new things next season and pushing myself to another level.

“For the short term, it’s very important now to get a feel for the group and start to know everyone.”