Arsenal summer signing admits Emirates move has been the ‘toughest’ of his career so far

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Arsenal had a busy summer in the transfer market as Mikel Arteta looked ahead to the 2024/25 campaign.

After missing out on the Premier League title for the second consecutive season to Manchester City, Arteta was eager to bolster his options ahead of the 2024/25 calendar. 

The manager and Edu Gaspar did just that, welcoming five senior players to the Emirates in David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Neto and Raheem Sterling.

Senior players weren’t the only arrivals at Colney over the summer, with two academy captures made in goalkeeping duo Lucas Nygaard and Tommy Setford. 

• READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every 2024/25 first-team squad player in the transfer market

Tommy Setford opens up about his start to life at Arsenal

Arsenal opted to sign four goalkeepers over the summer, with Raya arriving permanently from Brentford, Neto embarking on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, plus the two academy stars. 

18-year-old Nygaard arrived from Denmark, while fellow 18-year-old shot-stopper Setford made the move from Ajax’s academy.

Setford, who was born in the Netherlands but represents England U19, traded the Dutch giants for the Gunners in a permanent transfer and has recently opened up about his first month in North London. 

• READ MORE: Get to know Tommy Setford with everything on the Arsenal goalkeeper from age and height to family life

In an exclusive interview with Arsenal, featured in the official matchday programme for the EFL Cup clash with Bolton Wanderers, Setford admitted that he struggled when he first arrived.

“Honestly, the first month at Arsenal was one of the toughest periods of my career,” Setford explained.

“The intensity of the training and learning the principles of goalkeeping here was a lot to take in.

“I had to adapt quickly but now I’m getting the hang of it. I’m feeling more settled, my performances are becoming more consistent and I’m doing well.”

Why didn’t Setford feature against Bolton?

On Wednesday night, Arsenal commenced their EFL cup journey with a comfortable 5-1 win over League One outfit Bolton Wanderers.

The cup victory was a night to remember for several academy stars as Arteta handed first-team minutes to six youngsters.

Perhaps the shock of the evening was the manager naming 16-year-old Jack Porter in goal, as Arsenal were restricted of options between the sticks.

With Raya injured and Neto cup-tied, up stepped Porter on what could have been a special night for Setford.

The reason that the 18-year-old didn’t feature against the Trotters was due to a hip injury, as Arteta confirmed prior to kick-off when quizzed over his decision to start Porter.

There will be plenty of opportunities for Setford to develop in the years ahead at Arsenal, with the teenager easing his way into life in the capital.