'Deal done' - Arsenal agree transfer for 'highly regarded' goalkeeper
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The Gunners are conducting an overhaul in the goalkeeping position across multiple levels at the club.
Arsenal are believed to have reached an agreement with Ajex to add young goalkeeper Tommy Setford to the Gunners' ranks this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to the future.
The Athletic reports that the two clubs had been in discussions over a transfer and have now settled on a fee of around €1 million, plus add-ons, to green light the 18-year-old's move to the Emirates Stadium - that fee is more than double a €400,000 bid first reported to have been made by the Premier League club.
Setford is an England under-20 international and is expected to sign a four-year contract with Arsenal. He is yet to make a senior appearance at Ajax but has been a regular with the under-17 and under-18 sides.
The teenager is said to be 'highly regarded' at the Amsterdam outfit having risen through the youth academy ranks. Setford is the son of English pro golfer Chris Setford, who has been living in the Netherlands for his career. His older brother, 18-year-old Charlie Setford, is also a goalkeeper at Ajax.
The transfer deal comes after Arsenal had an offer for Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley rejected. The 30-year-old would have been a significantly more senior addition to the squad than Setford but was seen as a back-up option for David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale.
Raya has made his loan move to the Emirates Stadium from Brentford permanent this summer for £27 million after an impressive first campaign with the Gunners. Ramsdale lost his starting berth to Raya last season but remains an Arsenal player with his contract running until 2026 with an option for a further year, although has been linked with an exit.
The goalkeeping position remains an area of change for Arsenal. The club released academy shot-stoppers Ovie Ejeheri, James Hillson, and Arthur Okonkwo this summer. The London side has already brought in 18-year-old Denmark youth international Lucas Nygaard from FC Nordsjaelland.