Arsenal fans are waiting for the arrival of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori but the Gunners have been busy finalising the arrival of Tommy Setford.
The new Premier League season is drawing ever closer and Arsenal are looking to make a big signing.
HITC understands that Arsenal now have an agreement in principle with Bologna for the signature of defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian international impress at Euro 2024 and has become a key target for Arsenal this summer.
Arsenal fans are waiting for news of Calafiori’s arrival but have seen a new signing make the move to North London this weekend.
Tommy Setford on Ethan Nwaneri
England youth goalkeeper Tommy Setford confirmed earlier on Sunday that he would be leaving Ajax.
The 18-year-old hails from the Netherlands but has an English father and has been turning out for the Three Lions at youth level.
Arsenal have been targeting a deal for Setford this summer, as HITC reported earlier in July.
Setford’s announcement that he would be leaving Ajax left fans believing that he would be joining Arsenal and, sure enough, the deal was confirmed shortly after news of his Ajax exit broke.
Setford has now spoken to Arsenal’s official website and noted that he can’t wait to get going in North London.
The teenage stopper added that he actually already knows Gunners talents Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
They have all played together in the England youth setup and Setford admitted that they had already treated him to a ‘quick meet and greet’ after signing his deal.
“I want to thank Arsenal for this opportunity. I can’t wait to hit the ground running,” said Setford. “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,” he added.
Nwaneri is one of a number of top young talents in the Arsenal ranks and he should have a huge future ahead of him.
The midfielder landed a Premier League debut nearly two years ago but has only made one senior appearance since then.
Setford will now hope to rise up with Nwaneri in the hope of featuring prominently for both club and country in the coming years.
Per Mertesacker reacts to Setford deal
Setford’s arrival continues to strengthen Arsenal’s goalkeeping ranks.
David Raya made his his loan move from Brentford permanent this summer having impressed last season.
Karl Hein signed a new deal this summer and Lucas Nygaard arrived from from FC Nordsjælland as one for the future.
Setford is the latest arrival and there is considerable hope that he can become a real talent for the future.
Arsenal’s academy manager Per Mertesacker has delivered his verdict, telling the club’s official website that he thinks Setford has ‘big potential’.
“We welcome Tommy to Arsenal. He is a young goalkeeper with big potential and we look forward to supporting his development in the coming years,” said Mertesacker. “The first step on Tommy’s development pathway with us will be to integrate into our under-21s academy group and train regularly with our first team goalkeeping group,” he added.
It’s now over Setford to live up to that billing having gained a great reputation in the Ajax and England ranks.
