Arsenal have announced they have signed 18-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford from Ajax on what is believed to be a four-year contract.

Tommy Setford playing for the England youth teams (Photo via Setford on Instagram)
Tommy Setford playing for the England youth teams (Photo via Setford on Instagram)

On the official Arsenal site, they wrote, “18-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford has joined us in a permanent transfer from Ajax Amsterdam.

“The England youth international, who was born in the Netherlands, has developed through Ajax’s academy, representing the Jong Ajax development sides in recent seasons.

Academy Manager, Per Mertesacker added: “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, a highly-rated prospect who has represented England at youth international level, joins the Gunners after impressing during his time with Ajax’s under-18 team.

The Haarlem-born shot-stopper, who holds dual Dutch and English nationality, will initially link up with Arsenal‘s under-21 squad but could feature in first-team pre-season fixtures due to the absence of David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale.

About joining Arsenal, 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’s arrival marks the third goalkeeper signing for Arsenal this summer, following the signings of Lucas Nygaard and David Raya on a permanent deal. The Gunners have been keen to strengthen their goalkeeping department after the departures of Ovie Ejeheri, James Hillson, and Arthur Okonkwo and are expected to bring in at least one more keeper, two if Aaron Ramsdale leaves.

While Setford does not currently hold homegrown status in England, he is eligible to be registered on Arsenal’s under-21 list and could potentially gain homegrown status by the end of his third season at the club.

The young goalkeeper had a promising 2023/24 season with Ajax’s under-18 team, keeping six clean sheets in 15 games. His performances earned him call-ups to the England under-18 and under-19 squads, and he was recently selected for the under-20 team.

Welcome to Arsenal, Tommy!