Tommy Setford joins Stevenage on loan from Arsenal for 2026/27
Arsenal goalkeeper Tommy Setford has joined League One side Stevenage on loan for the 2026/27 season. The 20-year-old, who qualifies for England and has represented the Young Lions, departs North London to secure regular first-team minutes after limited cup appearances for the Premier League champions. The deal remains subject to regulatory completion.
Arsenal confirmed the move on Monday, marking the next step in Setford's development after two years with the Gunners. For readers tracking player movements alongside broader market shifts, our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub covers the latest transfer and business developments.
Key Takeaways
- Tommy Setford has joined Stevenage on a season-long loan from Arsenal for 2026/27.
- The 20-year-old goalkeeper joined Arsenal from Ajax's academy in July 2024 and has made cup appearances for the club.
- Stevenage are expected to offer regular first-team minutes, with first-choice keeper Filip Marschall close to joining Millwall.
- Illan Meslier's summer arrival at Arsenal added depth behind David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga, paving the way for Setford's exit.
- The loan deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
Who is Tommy Setford?
Setford is a 20-year-old goalkeeper born in the Netherlands who qualifies to represent England. He has played for the Young Lions at every age group from under-16s to under-21s.
He joined Arsenal from Ajax's renowned academy in July 2024. Within three months, he made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Preston North End, keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory.
In February 2026, Setford came on as a substitute for Kepa Arrizabalaga during Arsenal's 4-0 FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic. Beyond those cup outings, his appearances have largely come in Premier League 2 and UEFA Youth League fixtures.
Why is Stevenage the right loan move?
With David Raya established as Mikel Arteta's first-choice goalkeeper and Kepa Arrizabalaga as backup, Setford faced limited pathways to regular senior football at the Emirates. Arsenal's signing of Illan Meslier this summer further strengthened the senior goalkeeping unit.
According to Arsenal's official announcement, the club views the loan as an opportunity for Setford to continue developing his talent with meaningful game time.
Stevenage emerged as front-runners after talks with several clubs. Their current first-choice goalkeeper, Filip Marschall, is close to departing for Millwall, potentially opening the No. 1 shirt for Setford in League One.
What has Setford achieved at Arsenal?
Despite not yet making a Premier League appearance, Setford became a valued member of Arsenal's goalkeeping unit during the club's title-winning 2025/26 campaign. He trained alongside Raya and Kepa throughout the season.
His Carabao Cup clean sheet on debut and FA Cup cameo demonstrated his readiness for senior football, even if opportunities remained scarce behind established keepers.
Arsenal noted that Setford has played regular PL2 and UEFA Youth League games across his two seasons at the club, building a foundation that Stevenage can now build upon.
What happens next for Setford and Arsenal?
The loan deal must still clear regulatory processes before it is fully completed. Once formalised, Setford is expected to compete for a starting role at Stevenage throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
A strong season in League One could accelerate his development and raise his profile, though a long-term return to Arsenal's first team remains uncertain with Raya firmly entrenched.
Arsenal wished Setford well and said they look forward to seeing him continue to develop during his time with Stevenage.