Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori but also appear to be nearing a deal for goalkeeper Tommy Setford. The Gunners have secured just one first-team signing this summer. David Raya impressed enough last season for Arsenal to turn his loan move from Brentford permanent this summer.
Business is now picking up at the Emirates Stadium and HITC understands that Arsenal are nearing a deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. There is an agreement in principle with Bologna and final terms will now be finalised with Basel holding a 50% sell-on clause . Arsenal are working on more deals though and another goalkeeper appears to be heading to North London.
A post shared by Tommy Setford (@tommy_setford) Arsenal target Tommy Setford confirms Ajax exit Ajax talent Tommy Setford has been targeted by Arsenal in a £250,0000 move, as HITC reported earlier in July. Setford is only 18 but has emerged as a real talent in the Ajax ranks. The goalkeeper was born in the Netherlands but has an English father, meaning that he remains eligible for both nations.
Setford has been a regular for England at youth level though and racked up 17 caps for the Under-17’s. Brother Charlie – also a goalkeeper in the Ajax ranks – has attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester City . It’s Tommy who is on his way out though having taken to social media to announce his Ajax departure.
Setford has confirmed that he is bringing an end to more than 10 years with Ajax but leaves with ‘wonderful memories’. Setford wished Ajax all the best but believes they will cross paths again in the future as he prepares for his next move. Arsenal have been the strongest suitors for Setford and a deal now appears to be imminent.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Setford will sign his contract with Arsenal today, finalising his move to North London. Setford will arrive as a talent for the future after Arsenal allowed Arthur Okonkwo to move on this summer. Arsenal did sign a teenage goalkeeper earlier this summer with Lucas Nygaard coming in from FC Nordsjælland, but that hasn’t prevented interest in Setford too.
The teenager had been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur last year but he is now closing in on a move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s goalkeeping ranks receive another boost. READ: 50 MOST LIKELY PREMIER LEAGUE, EFL AND EUROPEAN SUMMER 2024 FOOTBALL TRANSFERS.
