Arsenal set to confirm second summer signing before Riccardo Calafiori, big step taken before US trip

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are now closing in on their second signing of the summer, which they are aiming to complete before their US tour.

Arsenal will jet off to America on Sunday, and will be hoping to have a new face within their ranks by the time they take off. 

Arsenal have already confirmed the permanent signing of David Raya this summer, and new additions have been made at academy level. However, there is still a lot of work left for Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu to do. 

Arsenal are currently working on a deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori, which is a transfer that now looks close to completion. Before the Italian defender’s switch is confirmed, though, the Gunners are keen to bring in another new arrival in between the sticks. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal pre-season tour 2024 – destination, fixtures, how to watch and more

Arsenal on verge of signing Tommy Setford just in time to help Mikel Arteta

As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, reporting on X: “18 year old goalkeeper Tommy Setford, set to become new Arsenal player by signing his contract today.”

Teenage shot-stopper Tommy Setford will be hoping to officially become an Arsenal player in time to join in with the pre-season USA tour. 

Arteta will certainly be hoping to take the Ajax youngster stateside, as the Gunners currently face taking on this phase of pre-season with a dearth of goalkeepers in their ranks.

Karl Hein is set to serve as the club’s temporary No. 1 in America, with David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale amongst the Arsenal stars currently enjoying an extended holiday, having taken part in Euro 2024 earlier this summer.

Why Arsenal pre-season tour would be a big deal for Tommy Setford

Setford could well feature for the Gunners in America, but he will otherwise be seen as one for the future. He may spend the upcoming season playing for the Gunners’ academy sides, or else may be sent out on loan in order to experience his first taste of competitive senior football. 

In any case, if Setford can join in with the pre-season tour then that will represent a great opportunity for him to settle into the club and get to know his new teammates, whilst also affording him the chance to impress Arteta.