Tommy Setford will spend this season on loan at League One club Stevenage, with Arsenal confident that the move is the right step for the young goalkeeper as he looks to continue his development.Setford joined Arsenal from Ajax in 2024 as part of the club’s drive to sign top goalkeeper talent for its youth team. He was also given an opportunity in the Carabao Cup that season, starting in goal and keeping a clean sheet during his appearance.Before the arrival of Illan Meslier, Setford was the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, which gave him hope of eventually getting an opportunity with the senior team. However, after Arsenal signed the Frenchman, his chances of playing regularly became even more limited.Arsenal decide on SetfordSetford has been performing brilliantly for the Arsenal U21 side, but the Gunners believe the time has come for him to gain experience in senior football. According to Standard Sport, Arsenal have allowed the goalkeeper to leave on loan so he can continue his development by playing first-team football.The most important consideration for Arsenal before approving the move was game time. The club wanted to ensure Setford would not simply spend the season on the bench, with regular football regarded as essential to his progress.Stevenage have reportedly promised that Setford will be their starter in League One, allowing the young goalkeeper to experience senior football on a consistent basis.(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Stevenage offer crucial experienceThe move meets Arsenal’s need to ensure one of their top goalkeeper talents continues to develop. Setford remains one of the best goalkeeping prospects in his age group in England, making regular senior football an important next step in his career.His quality is also reflected by his involvement with several of England’s age group national teams. The experience he gains with Stevenage should help him develop further and prepare him for the next stage of his career.For Arsenal, the priority will be seeing Setford play regularly and continue improving away from the pressure of competing for a place among the senior goalkeepers at the Emirates.The Gunners will therefore hope his season at Stevenage provides the first-team experience needed to help him fulfil his potential._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsWhat Arsenal expects from sending Tommy Setford on loan to Stevenage2 September 2026, 19:00Pundit names biggest title challengers to Arsenal after transfer window2 September 2026, 18:00Eze vs Tzolis: Neville names who should start on the left against Chelsea2 September 2026, 17:00The post What Arsenal expects from sending Tommy Setford on loan to Stevenage appeared first on Just Arsenal News.