Arsenal have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign England teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford according to a report.
Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal have reached an agreement with Ajax for the transfer of young goalkeeper Tommy Setford.
The reported fee is around €1m plus add-ons, showing the Gunners’ determination to bring in the promising talent.
Meanwhile, this agreement comes after Arsenal initially bid a lower price of £350,000, but eventually reached a compromise with Ajax to secure Setford’s services.
Following the contract agreement, the 18-year-old highly-rated young goalkeeper is set to join Arsenal’s youth ranks and continue his development at the club.
Romano confirms that Setford is set to sign with Arsenal on a four-year contract initially and is scheduled to undergo his medical examinations soon.
The Italian wrote: “18-year-old English GK Tommy Setford will undergo medical as new Arsenal player early next week.”
“Agreement between Arsenal and Ajax for a fee close to €1m after the first proposal as exclusively revealed. Contract until June 2028.”
Setford becomes Arsenal’s third signing
This will make Setford the third goalkeeper to join Mikel Arteta’s team this summer, following Lucas Nygaard and David Raya.
Arsenal also pursued the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Dan Bentley but they had their bid turned down.
The 30-year-old English player is being considered as a possible backup for David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale by the North London team.
Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave Emirates Stadium in the summer. The England international has fallen the pecking order at the North London club and is the second choice behind Raya.
With Ramsdale expected to evacuate, young Setford could be a good addition to the Gunners’ goalkeeping unit.
Meanwhile, despite Ajax’s efforts to retain Setford by offering him a new contract and the opportunity to be the starting goalkeeper for their second team, Setford has chosen to pursue a move to Arsenal.
This signing shows Arsenal’s commitment to building for the future and investing in young talent.
Setford’s arrival at Emirates is sure to excite Arsenal fans, who will be looking forward to seeing the young goalkeeper in action in the coming seasons.
Tommy Setford impressive career stats
The 18-year-old young footballer has made impressive strides in his career.
Setford was highly impressive while playing for Ajax u18s last season.
Setford showcased his skills on the field by keeping six clean sheets in 15 games for Ajax during the 2023/24 season.
He not only represented England at the u18 and u19 levels but also earned a spot on the u20 squad this summer. Despite not having played for the team yet, his talent is evident.
Tommy Setford allegiance to England
Tommy Setford was born in Haarlem, Netherlands, however, he is a British citizen.
Despite the KNVB already approaching him, Setford is happy to play for the country his father was born in.
Setford revealed after the under-17 World Cup that the Three Lions’ youth coaches, as well as the under-21 coaches, rate him highly.
He said via Ajax’s website: “Not only are the under-17 coaches happy with me, but the under-21 coaches and the first team see that I perform well in England. They see a lot of potential in me.”
