Arsenal training
Image Credit: Getty Images
Arsenal promising young goalkeeper Tommy Setford has made a subtle but notable change ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, switching his squad number from 36 to 35.
The 19-year-old England youth international, who joined the Gunners from Ajax in July 2024, was prompted to change numbers following the arrival of new signing Martin Zubimendi, who claimed the number 36 shirt.
The shift was spotted during Arsenal’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, as reported by Jeorge Bird on July 10, 2025.
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Arsenal - Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi is the new Arsenal number 36 ahead of the 2025/26 season. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
Setford, now officially part of Arsenal’s first-team squad, has been integrated into the senior dressing room, a testament to his rapid progression since his £1 million move.
The number 35, previously worn by players like Mohamed Elneny, Gabriel Martinelli, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, represents a minor adjustment but underscores Setford’s growing presence within Mikel Arteta’s setup.
The goalkeeper made his senior debut in the 2024/25 Carabao Cup against Preston North End, keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory, and has been a regular in matchday squads, including 18 appearances on the bench in the Premier League and Champions League.
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The squad number change is part of a broader reshuffle at Arsenal, with David Raya taking the number 1 shirt, Ethan Nwaneri switching to 22, and Albert Sambi Lokonga moving to 28 after Mikel Merino claimed his previous number. New signings like Christian Norgaard (16) and Kepa Arrizabalaga (13) have also influenced the number allocations.
Setford, who describes himself as an attack-minded goalkeeper with strong distribution and calmness under pressure, remains third-choice behind Raya and Kepa but is highly regarded for his technical skills and game-reading ability.
As Arsenal prepare for a competitive season, Setford’s new number 35 symbolises his continued ascent. Fans will be eager to see if the young goalkeeper, also set to feature for England at the U19 European Championships, can seize further first-team opportunities.
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