BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal schedule a medical for their target after reaching a preliminary agreement with the club.
Arsenal are reportedly close to securing the signing of Tommy Setford from Ajax Amsterdam this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
So far, the Gunners have been relatively inactive in this transfer window, with their only summer move being the permanent signing of David Raya. They are also reportedly negotiating to sign Riccardo Calafiori, having agreed on personal terms with him.
However, Arsenal have faced difficulties in reaching an agreement with Bologna over the transfer fee. Bologna demands around £42m for their star player, but Arsenal are unwilling to pay that amount, causing the deal to stall.
Additionally, the North London club is in the market for a new striker and midfielder, but there are no active negotiations for any players in these positions.
Arsenal seem to be focusing on reducing their squad by offloading some players before making new signings. Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are among those linked with moves away from the club, while Albert Sambi Lokonga has already joined Sevilla.
Meanwhile, Romano reports that Arsenal is close to finalizing a deal to sign another goalkeeper. They have agreed in principle on an £800,000 fee with Ajax for Setford.
According to Romano, Arsenal has already scheduled a medical for Setford, and upon passing the tests, the player will sign a four-year contract.
Romano stated: “Arsenal have booked medical tests for new young goalkeeper Tommy Setford, who’s set to join from Ajax. Agreement between Arsenal and Ajax for a fee close to €1m after the first proposal, as exclusively revealed. Four-year contract, confirmed.”
The 18-year-old is seen as a future prospect and is unlikely to feature prominently for Arsenal next season. It will be interesting to see what role the youngster will play at the Emirates Stadium.
As Arsenal narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season, it remains to be seen if they can finally clinch the title next season.