Arsenal are reportedly “very keen” on completing a move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato this summer. The Gunners are eager to bolster their backline despite enjoying impressive defensive form this season.
Ajax Wonderkid Is a Priority Target for Arsenal
Jorrel Hato: A Quick Rise to Stardom
Hato has spent his entire career at Ajax since completing a move to their renowned academy in 2018. The defender went on to play for the U17 and U18 teams before making his senior debut in January last year.
Since then, Hato has quickly developed into a crucial player in Ajax’s backline, starting 33 Eredivisie games this season. At 18 years old, he is considered one of the most promising young defenders in European football, already representing the Netherlands’ national team in all age groups.
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Mikel Arteta has rotated between Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jakub Kiwior at left-back this season. Jurrien Timber’s imminent return from injury provides the Gunners with another choice for this position. However, it seems that signing a young left-back remains a priority for the club ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Hato is high on Arsenal’s target list this summer. The Gunners have extensively scouted the 18-year-old, who can play both as a centre-back and a left-back. In March, the teenager signed a new four-year contract at Ajax, but that hasn’t been enough to fend off interest from the Premier League giants.
An Ideal Target
Hato’s versatility could be a key asset for Arsenal, who can use him as a backup for William Saliba in addition to his primary role as a left-back. The Ajax defender has been compared to Manchester City’s Nathan Ake due to his stocky physique and clever defending.
Former Liverpool star Jordan Henderson, who joined Ajax in January, is already impressed with Hato’s development, telling the club’s website: “It’s crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he’s on the pitch and also off the pitch.
“He’s a very mature person, works hard – fantastic player. And yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him I’m sure.”
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