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Arsenal ‘pushing’ to sign Ajax star Jorrel Hato this summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on May 10, 2024

Arsenal are reportedly ‘pushing’ hard to sign Ajax Amsterdam star Jorrel Hato this summer, as per the transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Mikel Arteta likes to have technically sound defenders – who are comfortable playing out from the back and the Gunners have been keeping an eye on Ajax stars in recent times to hand the Spanish boss his preferred defensive options.

Arsenal initially tried to purchase Lisandro Martínez from the Eredivisie giants a couple of years ago, but the Argentinian eventually opted to sign for Manchester United.

After failing to secure the South American’s signature, the North London club signed Jurrien Timber last summer. However, the Dutchman couldn’t serve Arsenal properly this season having sustained a serious knee problem in his Premier League debut. Now, it seems Arsenal are looking to sign yet another Ajax star to bolster their defence with Hato on their radar this time around.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano has reported that Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on the development of Hato in recent times and after watching him closely, they have now fallen in ‘love’ with the 18-year-old.

Hato to Arsenal

The journalist further claims that Arsenal believe Hato possesses high potential so they have already started ‘pushing’ to secure his signature in the upcoming window.

Romano also states that Arsenal feel they are currently ‘frontrunners’ to get this deal over the line so it remains to be seen whether the Gunners can eventually manage to secure his signature ahead of next season.

Romano said:

“There is a player they[Arsenal] love. He is playing at Ajax, a centre-back and it is Jorrel Hato. Hato signed a new deal at Ajax two months ago, but Arsenal are still following him. They believe Hato is a top centre-back in terms of potential. Keep an eye on Arsenal, they are still pushing for Hato, they believe they are frontrunners in the race to sign him. Let’s see if they can make it happen this summer or if it has to be in the future.”

It has been suggested that the Gunners are planning to reinforce their left side of the defence as Jakub Kiwior has been linked with a move away from the club in recent times.

Hato – valued at around £19m by Transfermarkt – is a talented defender and can play in the centre-back position as well as the left-back role. He possesses the necessary attributes to play in Arteta’s system so, the Dutchman would be a shrewd signing for Arsenal if they purchase him this summer.