Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement with Ajax to sign England U-20 international Tommy Setford as their second summer addition ahead of the 2024-25 season. The Gunners will make the teenage goalkeeper their second signing as they look to bolster their academy goalkeeping ranks.
Spanish international David Raya, who was on loan from Brentford in 2023-24, has seen his buy option clause activated this summer. The 28-year-old, who won the league's Golden Glove award, has joined the Gunners permanently, becoming the club's first summer signing.
England youth star Setford has risen through the ranks at Ajax, featuring prominently for their U-18 side in 2023-24. He played 15 times at that level for the club, keeping six clean sheets and impressing so much that the club wanted him to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Jong Ajax this season.
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Arsenal have kept a close eye on the teenage star and sent in a bid to sign him earlier this summer, which was rejected by Ajax. David Ornstein now reports that the Dutch giants have accepted a bid of around €1 million plus add-ons, and the 18-year-old will sign a four-year deal at the Emirates.
The Gunners are making major changes to their academy goalkeeping set-up after the trio of Ovie Ejeheri, Arthur Okonkwo and James Hillson were released this summer. They have an agreement in place for 18-year-old Dane Lucas Nygaard to be their first signing, and will have Setford join the squad after all agreements are finalized.
The goalkeeping department is one that is expected to have major movement this summer, with Aaron Ramsdale likely to leave the club. Mikel Arteta's side have seen a bid turned down for Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley to join as a back-up option to David Raya.
Tommy Setford featured for England at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2023 and will qualify as home-grown in the English game. The highly rated goalkeeper will be expected to feature for the club's U-21 side before possibly rising through the ranks.
Arsenal interested in Manchester United target - Reports
Arsenal have registered their interest in signing Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov, who is also on the radar of Manchester United. The Gunners' interest in the Ukraine international, who has a release clause of just €30 million, has been reported by Diario AS.
Tsygankov impressed in La Liga, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists in 30 appearances for Girona as they finished third. The result of this has been interest in the 26-year-old from the Premier League, with Aston Villa, Manchester United and Arsenal named.
Manchester United have reportedly held talks with the representatives of the winger, but their lack of UEFA Champions League football could be a hindrance. Arsenal can offer him Champions League football, something he will also get if he remains at Girona.
