Arsenal sign young goalkeeper Tommy Setford from Ajax

Arsenal announced on 21st July they have successfully signed Tommy Setford, the 18-year-old goalkeeper, from Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam.

The England youth international will join the club’s academy and play for the U21s side but will also train with the first-team squad regularly. He has already been included in the 26-man squad named by Mikel Arteta for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States where Arsenal will face Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

Who is the latest Arsenal goalkeeper signing Tommy Setford?

Setford was born on March 13 2006 in Haarlem, Netherlands. He joined Ajax’s academy at a young age, where he has spent his entire footballing life before joining the Gunners.

In July 2021, he was promoted from Ajax Youth to the U17 side, and then to the U18s one year later. He made 50 total appearances in all competitions for the Jong Ajax development sides, and kept 19 clean sheets.

The highly-rated prospect has represented England at all age groups from U16 to U20, making 21 appearances and keeping six clean sheets.

In his first interview for Arsenal, where he has signed a four-year deal, Setford said:

“I want to thank Arsenal for this opportunity. I can’t wait to hit the ground running.

“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.”

Setford joins Lucas Nygaard, the 18-year-old Danish goalkeeper signed by Arsenal earlier in the window, in a new look goalkeeping unit for the academy.

Per Mertesacker, Academy Manager, said of Setford’s signing:

“We welcome Tommy to Arsenal. He is a young goalkeeper with big potential and we look forward to supporting his development in the coming years.

"The first step on Tommy’s development pathway with us will be to integrate into our under-21s academy group and train regularly with our first team goalkeeping group.”

Tommy Setford is the third permanent goalkeeper signed by Arsenal in this transfer window, and he might yet be joined by a fourth as the club reshape their entire goalkeeping unit.