League One club in talks to sign Arsenal 20yo on loan | OneFootball

League One club Stevenage are in talks with Arsenal over a loan deal for Tommy Setford, according to a report.

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James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that League One side Stevenage are in talks to sign Tommy Setford from Arsenal on a loan basis.

McNicholas adds that talks are ongoing with various clubs for Setford, but Stevenage are currently the front-runners. Their current first-choice goalkeeper is in talks to join Millwall, so there’s a potential opening for Setford to step in.

The report also points out that Las Palmas had previously shown an interest in Setford, but those negotiations stalled.

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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.

When Meslier was signed, the suggestion was that his 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.

The youngster 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 were limited for a handful of u21 showings for Arsenal and England.

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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.

It looks like Stevenage are hoping to be the club to give Setford a proper opportunity in senior football this season.

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