Arsenal plot move for Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato
Jorrel Hato is the latest player off Ajax’s famed production line – Getty Images/Michael Bulder
Arsenal are plotting a move for Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato as the club looks to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s defence in the long-term.
Hato, 17, is regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects and can play at centre-back or left-back. The Holland international has 18 months remaining on his current contract, although Ajax want to tie him down to a new long-term deal.
Hato’s performances have been a bright spark in a challenging season for Ajax and the feeling in the Netherlands is that Arsenal are more likely to formalise their interest in the summer, rather than during the January window.
Arsenal have a recent history of doing transfer business with Ajax, having signed Jurrien Timber from the Dutch club in a deal worth up to £39 million last summer.
Earlier this season Hato said he would one day like to follow in the footsteps of Timber, who is currently recovering from a major knee injury, by also moving to the Premier League.
In an interview with ELF Voetbal in October, Hato said of Timber: “Unfortunately he was seriously injured in his first Premier League game for Arsenal, but he is still young and has a bright future ahead of him.
“In any case, the move to Arsenal was a wonderful one for him. It is also my dream to one day make such a transfer, but I realise that I still have a very long way to go.”
Hato has already captained Ajax, despite his age, and he made his first senior international appearance in November. So far this season, he has played every minute of every match for his club, who are currently fifth in the Eredivisie.
A move for Hato, should Arsenal choose to formalise their interest, could raise questions about the long-term future of Jakub Kiwior at the Emirates Stadium.
Kiwior joined Arsenal in January last year in a deal worth around £17 million but he has so far been unable to dislodge Gabriel Magalhaes from Arteta’s first-choice defence.
Reports in Italy have suggested that Kiwior is of interest to clubs in Serie A, where he previously played for Spezia.
Kiwior has made four Premier League starts for Arsenal this season. The most recent of those was at left-back in last weekend’s loss at Fulham, when he was substituted at half-time.
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