Arsenal complete signing of Jong Ajax goalkeeper Tommy Setford on four-year contract; 18-year-old England U19 international moves for fee of just under £1m; Gunners saw Setford as potential Ajax No 1 and he will regularly train with first team this season
Sunday 21 July 2024 12:19, UK
Arsenal have completed the signing of young English goalkeeper Tommy Setford from Ajax on an initial four-year deal.
The 18-year-old joins the Gunners for a fee just under £1m after entering the final year of his contract with the Dutch club, where he was a member of their U21 side.
Setford was born in the Netherlands but has already represented England at U17 and U19 level, most recently in the latter's 1-1 draw with Morocco in March.
He will join the Arsenal on their pre-season tour of America, which leaves on Sunday and includes friendlies with Bournemouth, Man Utd and Liverpool.
Arsenal believe Setford was potentially on course to become an Ajax No 1 in future, and plan to include him regularly in first-team training in the coming season.
Left-back is an area to address, with Oleksandr Zinchenko not having the same impact last term. In addition to Riccardo Calafiori, David Raya has completed a permanent move but attacking additions cannot be ruled out if Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe move on as expected.
The 2024 summer transfer window officially closes on August 30 at 11pm UK time in the Premier League and 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
