Arsenal submit proposal to sign 18-year-old star from European rivals, player keen on possible move: Reports
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have submitted a proposal to sign England under-20 goalkeeper Tommy Setford from Ajax. Setford, 18, plays for Ajax's youth side.
As per Romano, the Eredivisie side see Setford as a big talent. However, his current deal with the Amsterdam club expires at the end of the 2024-25 season. The Gunners are looking to pounce on the opportunity and snatch Setford away from Ajax. As per Romano, Setford is also keen on the move to the Premier League giants.
David Raya has joined Arsenal on a permanent move having spent the 2023-24 season on loan from Brentford. Aaron Ramsdale, though, is expected to leave in the summer.
The England international has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates and is the second choice behind Raya. With Ramsdale expected to depart, young Setford could be a good addition to the Gunners' goalkeeping pool.
Setford has so far represented England at several age groups for the national team. He also played in the under-17 World Cup that took place in Indonesia. TeamTalk reported last year that other Premier League clubs like Liverpool and West Ham United were also keeping a keen eye on Setford.
Arsenal target Tommy Setford has already cleared his international preference
Tommy Setford was born in Haarlem, Netherlands, however, he is a British citizen. Despite the KNVB already approaching him, Setford is happy to play for the country his father was born in.
Setford revealed after the under-17 World Cup that the Three Lions' youth coaches, as well as the under-21 coaches, rate him highly. He said (via Ajax's website):
"Not only are the under-17 coaches happy with me, but the under-21 coaches and the first team see that I perform well in England. They see a lot of potential in me."
Setford could now be playing in the Premier League and being involved with a club of Arsenal's size could massively benefit the player's international career.