Arsenal confirm late season-long loan for 20yo

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·2 September 2026

Arsenal confirm late season-long loan for 20yo

Stevenage and Arsenal have officially announced the loan transfer of Tommy Setford between the two clubs, with the goalkeeper to spend the 2026/27 campaign in League One.

Photo via Stevenage FC on Instagram

Arsenal and Stevenage FC announced the loan of Tommy Setford late on transfer deadline day, with the Gunners confirming it’s a season-long deal.

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The move had appeared to hinge upon the exit of first-choice Stevenage goalkeeper Filip Marschall, who was linked with a deadline-day move away from the club to Millwall FC. That deal was confirmed earlier in the day, paving the way for Setford to join.

Las Palmas had previously shown an interest in Setford, but those negotiations stalled, and the young goalkeeper will spend the season in League One instead.

Photo via Stevenage FC on Instagram

It’s very early days for the new League One season, but Stevenage appear to be in a relegation battle as it stands. The team have drawn three and lost one of their opening four games, leaving them 20th in the 24-team league with just three points.

For a young goalkeeper looking to develop his game, that may not be a bad thing, as Setford will surely get plenty of opportunities to practice his shot-stopping in a competitive match environment.

Illan Meslier arrived at Arsenal this summer to add a third senior goalkeeper to Mikel Arteta’s squad, with David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga already at the club.

The suggestion was that Meslier’s arrival was to facilitate a loan move for Setford. The young goalkeeper worked hard alongside Raya and Kepa in training last year, but his opportunities on the pitch were slim to non-existent.

Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images

Setford came on as a substitute for Arsenal against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup, playing the final few minutes of the 4-0 win. Other than that, his appearances in 2025/26 were limited for a handful of u21 showings for Arsenal and England.

The goalkeeper was signed for his potential, but he’s unlikely to achieve it if he can’t get out on the pitch and test himself. Hence Arsenal’s push to get him a good loan move.

The only question now is whether Stevenage will give him the minutes he’s looking for.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

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