AT the end of last month Arsenal signed Lucas Nygaard for their academy set-up who certainly looks promising currently, so could he be here for the long-term?
The goalkeeper brought from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland where he made his way through the levels has also played a pivotal role on the International stage for his country Denmark. He’s been picked to play in goal from u-16 level to u-18s level and has been a true leader on the field despite being only 18 playing skipper whilst Denmark were defeated with ease 3-0 in October 2023 versus Norway.
The keeper was signed due to a slight goalkeeper crisis on the academy side of things at London Colney with Arthur Okonkwo leaving for Ryan Reynolds Wrexham where he spent a stint at on loan recently. On top of this despite Karl Hein signing a new contract even he could depart on a loan deal meaning someone needs to fill the gloves permanently with Nygaard potentially being the solution to the issue, however… it is reported today according to BBC that The Gunners are nearing the deal of England young safe hands Tommy Setford from Ajax who is due to have a medical after agreeing personal terms.
If now backup goalie Aaron Ramsdale leaves Setford will most likely take up his position leaving third choice goalie for the first team to Nygaard going forward. There’s a chance the England backup goalie could leave who was unhappy last season when being second guessed as Arsenals main keeper.
Ramsdale declared before the Euros; “no footballer wants to not play. I’ve had a tough year personally not playing and I never want to do that again, it was tough, it was tough.
“But I have a release now, I’m now here, I’ve got the greatest honour, the greatest badge on my chest, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if I play a minute or no minutes, it will be the pinnacle for me, the best day ever.”
Ramsdale has also been linked with potential moves to Premier League sides Chelsea, Newcastle United and Southampton who secured promotion back to the top-flight of English football in May at first attempt after beating Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship playoff final.
Does this mean that eventually if Nygaard stays at The Emirate’s and carries on improving he could eventually be experimented as Mikel Arteta’s second choice goalkeeper and potentially first one day?
