Arsenal receive a boost with 19-year-old Tommy Setford’s permanent promotion to the first-team dressing room, a testament to his rapid development since joining from Ajax in July 2024
The England U19 international, signed for €1m, has earned Mikel Arteta’s trust, marking him as a cornerstone of the Gunners’ future.
Setford’s journey has been meteoric. After debuting in Arsenal’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Preston North End on October 30, 2024, where he kept a clean sheet, he’s been a regular on the first-team bench, including all Champions League fixtures this season
His promotion, confirmed by Arsenal on May 17, 2025, reflects his seamless integration into Arteta’s squad. “It’s a dream just to be here,” Setford said, highlighting his pride in the move and his debut.
Born in Haarlem, Netherlands, to an English father and Dutch mother, Setford spent 11 years at Ajax’s academy, where he kept 14 clean sheets in 33 U18 matches
His technical skill, ability to play out from the back, and tactical awareness fit Arteta’s possession-based system. Despite early struggles in training—“I didn’t save anything for six weeks,” he admitted—the 6’1” goalkeeper adapted, crediting coaches for his “huge” improvement.
Setford’s promotion currently leaves him as third-choice behind David Raya and Neto. He’s juggled U21 and U19 duties, playing in the UEFA Youth League, but his first-team role takes precedence. Arteta praised his emotional debut, noting, “He’s been with us only three months, he’s 18 years old, and he played his first professional game
Fans on X are buzzing, with some calling him a “future No.1.” His contract, running until 2028 with an optional year, signals Arsenal’s long-term faith.
As Raya’s deputy, Setford’s learning from the European Championship winner’s consistency. With injuries and loans reshaping Arsenal’s goalkeeping unit, Setford’s rise is timely. Could he be the Gunners’ next great shot-stopper
