Arsenal announce final Deadline Day transfer as loan deal confirmed | OneFootball

A big step for the young goalkeeper in his development

The 20-year-old will move to the League One side for the rest of the season, with the Gunners keen for him to experience everything that comes with regular first-team football.

Setford has been at Arsenal since joining in 2024 from Ajax and made his home debut last season when he came on in the FA Cup win over Wigan.

He had been third-choice goalkeeper for Mikel Arteta’s side, but the signing of Illan Meslier earlier this summer was made with the intention of then sending Setford out on loan.

Talks have been held with Las Palmas in recent weeks but those broke down.

It left Setford heading into Deadline Day with uncertainty over his future and no move particularly imminent.

However, Stevenage emerged as an option after they agreed the club-record sale of Filip Marschall to Millwall.

Setford is set to replace Marschall and will make the move to Stevenage, who sit 20th in League One after three draws from their opening four matches.

Arsenal hope Setford will make positive steps in his development during his first loan move and he remains highly-rated at the club.

He made his England Under-21s debut last season, having represented his country at every age group from Under-16 onwards.

Loan move: Tommy Setford

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Setford's move completes a busy transfer Deadline Day for Arsenal - in terms of outgoings - as Ethan Nwaneri joined Borussia Dortmund on loan after it was announced that Gabriel Jesus had moved to Barcelona in a deal that could reach £12.9million including add-ons.

Fabio Vieira has rejoined Hamburg, where he spent last season on loan, for £7.7m.

Standard Sport understands that Arsenal included sell-on clauses in both of those permanent deals.