Arsenal’s Hale End academy continues to produce exceptional talent.
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have burst onto the scene this season, with the former becoming a dependable back-up for either Martin Odegaard or Bukayo Saka, while the latter has established himself as the Gunners’ first-choice left-back.
Several more are making waves below the aforementioned youngsters, as the North London club look to bulk out their first team squad by adding potential future stars to it.
Max Dowman has emerged as the most promising future talent, although one other academy prospect is now a permanent fixture in the senior set-up.
- READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer twist emerges as Sporting CP make fresh demand to sell him
Tommy Setford promoted to Arsenal first team
Arsenal signed goalkeeper Tommy Setford last summer from Ajax’s under-18s, with the player joining the Gunners’ youth set-up from the outset.
Setford has been described as ‘incredible’, impressing whilst playing for the under-21s this campaign, producing several excellent displays in which he’s showcased his astute shot-stopping and distribution.
The 19-year-old also made his senior debut back in November in a League Cup tie against Preston North End, keeping a clean sheet.
He’s followed that up with several appearances on Mikel Arteta’s bench, including in matches in Arsenal’s run to the Champions League semi-final.
In an interview for Arsenal.com this week, it was confirmed that Setford has been rewarded for his form this season with a permanent place in the Gunners’ first team.
He’ll train with the senior squad on a full-time basis and is likely to firmly establish himself as the number three goalkeeper ahead of next season.
Tommy Setford’s promotion could mean Karl Hein leaves Arsenal
Karl Hein has assumed the number three position in between the sticks in recent seasons.
However, after David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale returned to London Colney late last summer, following lengthy runs in the Euros with their respective nations, Hein got the opportunity to impress in Arsenal’s pre-season matches.
The Estonian did so, and he subsequently earned a loan move to Real Valladolid, where he’s spent the duration of this season.
Making 29 appearances in La Liga, Hein has impressed at times, despite shipping 64 goals in the Spanish top flight.
However, with Arsenal eyeing Joan Garcia and Setford now being promoted, there is unlikely to be room for the 23-year-old in the Gunners’ squad for next season.
Having played an entire season as first choice in one of Europe’s top leagues, Hein is unlikely to settle for being a third or fourth choice option again.
He’ll surely depart this summer, and Arsenal ought to be able to generate some revenue from his likely exit.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
