Arsenal have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Tommy Setford from Ajax.
The Athletic reported earlier this month that the north London side had reached an agreement to sign Setford, with the 18-year-old expected to sign a four-year contract,
“I want to thank Arsenal for this opportunity. I can’t wait to hit the ground running,” Setford said.
“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 is highly rated, having progressed through the Ajax academy and represented England from under-16s to under-20s.
His signing comes after Arsenal released several academy goalkeepers earlier this summer, with Arthur Okonkwo, Ovie Ejeheri and James Hillson departing.
Those exits meant Arsenal needed to bolster their academy goalkeeper ranks. The 18-year-old Denmark youth international Lucas Nygaard signed for the club from FC Nordsjaelland last month.
Arsenal are also seeking to add to their senior goalkeeping pool and have seen a bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Dan Bentley rejected. The 30-year-old former Brentford man has been identified by the club as a potential third-choice option behind David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale.
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