Reported Arsenal transfer target Jorrel Hato has subtly indicated to Mikel Arteta that he could be the ideal addition to the team this summer. Despite being just 17 years old, the defender made his breakthrough into the first-team squad at the end of last season, and his impressive performances have continued into the 2023/24 campaign despite Ajax’s struggles.
Although Ajax had a difficult start to the season, their form has improved in recent months, with only two Eredivisie defeats in their last 15 games. Hato has played a pivotal role in this turnaround, contributing to Ajax’s ascent to fifth place in the table, just six points off the top four.
However, Ajax suffered a setback in their pursuit of a European spot after being defeated at home by AZ Alkmaar, the team directly above them, this past weekend. Despite his young age, Hato displayed maturity by addressing reporters after the game, and his candid admission highlighted why he is attracting interest from Arteta and Arsenal.
“I don’t believe we played bad football today,” he admitted after the game. “I don’t feel like we keep getting worse too. The way I see it, this loss isn’t about the tactics or formation. We just lost all our duels.”
The final part of his statement about duels would have absolutely pleased Arteta, who has become obsessed with that term and
There is a possibility of Hato moving to Arsenal this summer, following the Gunners’ successful acquisition of his former teammate Jurrien Timber last year. Arsenal’s trend of targeting talented young Dutch players has made Hato a prime contender for recruitment. However, there is a chance that Hato may choose to stay in the Netherlands for the foreseeable future. According to ESPN Netherlands, Ajax is reportedly on the verge of securing a new contract for the teenager.
Currently, Hato is contracted with Ajax until 2025. If he agrees to the extension, he will be committed to Ajax for another four years, with no release clause included. Arsenal has been struggling with defensive injuries this season, with several key players such as Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Oleksandr Zinchenko being sidelined for extended periods. The long-term absence of Jurrien Timber has also been a concern.
Ousmane Diomande
Apart from Hato, Arsenal has been linked with other versatile defensive options such as Jeremie Frimpong and Ousmane Diomande. Both players fit the type of signings favored by Mikel Arteta. Of the two, Frimpong is a standout candidate, reportedly having a €40 million (£34 million) release clause, which could potentially entice Arsenal to pursue his signature from Bayer Leverkusen.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60 "Jorrel Hato has delivered the exact message Mikel Arteta wants to hear 2")