League One club in talks to sign Arsenal 20yo on loan

League One club Stevenage are in talks with Arsenal over a loan deal for Tommy Setford, according to a report.

PRESTON, ENGLAND: Tommy Setford of Arsenal looks on during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Preston North End and Arsenal at Deepdale on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) — Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that League One side Stevenage are in talks to sign Tommy Setford from Arsenal on a loan basis.

McNicholas adds that talks are ongoing with various clubs for Setford, but Stevenage are currently the front-runners. Their current first-choice goalkeeper is in talks to join Millwall, so there’s a potential opening for Setford to step in.

The report also points out that Las Palmas had previously shown an interest in Setford, but those negotiations stalled.

PRESTON, ENGLAND: Tommy Setford of Arsenal warms up prior to the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Preston North End and Arsenal at Deepdale on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) — Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Illan Meslier arrived at Arsenal this summer to add a third senior goalkeeper to Mikel Arteta’s squad, with David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga already at the club.

When Meslier was signed, the suggestion was that his arrival was to facilitate a loan move for Setford. The young goalkeeper worked hard alongside Raya and Kepa in training last year, but his opportunities on the pitch were slim to non-existent.

The youngster came on as a substitute for Arsenal against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup, playing the final few minutes of the 4-0 win. Other than that, his appearances were limited for a handful of u21 showings for Arsenal and England.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Tommy Setford of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at the Brentford Community Stadium on January 01, 2025. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) — Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

The goalkeeper was signed for his potential, but he’s unlikely to achieve it if he can’t get out on the pitch and test himself. Hence Arsenal’s push to get him a good loan move.

It looks like Stevenage are hoping to be the club to give Setford a proper opportunity in senior football this season.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: David Raya of Arsenal embraces his teammate Tommy Setford prior to the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) — Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

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