Arsenal have completed the signing of England youth international goalkeeper Tommy Setford from Ajax.
The 18-year-old will initially be part of Arsenal’s Under-21 squad but will train regularly with the first-team, as reported by the club’s official website.
Setford has been included in Arsenal’s travelling squad for their pre-season tour of the USA.
A highly-rated prospect, Setford has been called up by England at various levels, including the Under-20s.
Setford, who has played with Arsenal youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly for England’s youth sides, is eager to impress at his new club.
Arsenal have completed the signing of England youth international goalkeeper Tommy Setford
Setford has already played with Arsenal prospect Ethan Nwaneri for England at youth level
Setford said: ‘I want to thank Arsenal for this opportunity. I can’t wait to hit the ground running.
‘I already know Ethan (Nwaneri) 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.’
Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker praised Setford after the deal was finalised
Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker expressed his delight at the signing of Setford.
He said: ‘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.’
Setford previously featured for Ajax’s academy in the UEFA Youth League.
He is the second goalkeeper to join Arsenal’s Under-21 squad this summer following the arrival of Lucas Nygaard.
