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Arsenal have reportedly made a €400,000 bid for Ajax youngster Tommy Setford as question marks continue to grow over Aaron Ramsdale's future at the Emirates. The English goalkeeper's stock is growing at the Johan Cruyff Arena, but he could leave his boyhood club this summer.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reports that the Gunners have made an offer which includes bonuses to buy out the remainder of Setford's contract. The Haarlem-born shot-stopper's current deal with the Eredivisie giants expires next summer.
Ajax need to make a decision about Setford due to his contract situation. If they allow him to leave next summer, they will receive €400,000 for training expenses but without any bonuses.
Setford is seemingly open to a move to Arsenal as he'd work with English goalkeeping coach Terry Mason. The switch to north London could increase his likelihood of a run in England's U21. Intriguingly, he also follows their other goalkeeping coach, Inaki Cana, on Instagram.
Ajax want the Premier League heavyweights to increase their offer. They will also make a final attempt to persuade Setford to sign a new deal. He's been with the Eredivisie giants throughout his youth career.
Setford appeared 15 times for Ajax's U18s last season, keeping six clean sheets. He's been capped 17 times at U17 level by England and has earned one cap for the Three Lions' U19s.
The exciting English goalkeeper's potential arrival at the Emirates could result from Ramsdale's departure. His future is uncertain following a frustrating past season in which he lost his No.1 jersey to David Raya.
Ramsdale, 26, has two years left on his contract but could be on the move this summer. He's reportedly expected to leave the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta preferring Raya.
"He needs to move" - David Seaman urges Ramsdale to leave Arsenal
Ramsdale made just 11 appearances across competitions last season, keeping three clean sheets. In the previous campaign, he was named in the Premier League Team of the Season.
The English goalkeeper's lack of first-team opportunities is concerning, and many think he needs to depart. Arsenal legend David Seaman has told Ramsdale to seek a move elsewhere, although he wants him to stay. He told The Daily Star:
"It’s a weird situation. Ideally, you’d love him to stay because that would be great for the club. But he needs to move for his career. And that includes England because, if he’s not playing, he’ll keep dropping down the pecking order with them."
Ramsdale earned plaudits for his performances in the 2022-23 season, during which Arsenal staged an admirable title challenge. He made 41 appearances across competitions and kept 15 clean sheets. The former Sheffield United goalkeeper arrived at the Emirates from Bramall Lane in August 2021.
