Arsenal transfer target Jorrel Hato profiled as Mikel Arteta eyes wonderkid
Arsenal are eyeing up a move to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato as Mikel Arteta tries to add another youngster to his back-line.
If the Gunners sign Hato, 17, it will be the second player they have signed from Ajax in six months after Jurrien Timber’s move to the Emirates. Timber, however, has been restricted to one Premier League appearance after suffering an ACL injury on the opening weekend of the season against Nottingham Forest.
As for Hato, he is regarded as one of the most talented players in his age group and can play at either left-back or centre-back. Hato has less than 18 months remaining on his contract but Ajax are hopeful of tying him down to a long-term deal. According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are interested in signing Hato but are more likely to formalise their interest in the summer, rather than target a January move.
After impressing for Jong Ajax - the club’s B side - at the start of last season, Hato was handed a chance to impress in the first-team following the World Cup break. He made his senior debut aged 16 in the KNVB Cup against Den Bosch, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 victory.
In February 2023, Hato then became the third-youngest player to appear for Ajax in Eredivisie as he came off the bench against SC Cambuur. Despite his relative inexperience at the highest level, Hato started the KNVB Cup final against PSV back in April - a game in which PSV won on penalties following a 1-1 draw after normal time.
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Hato has become a mainstay in the Ajax side this season. He has started in all 25 competitive matches in 2023/24, including their six Europa League group matches. The teenager has one goal to his name, which came in the 5-0 victory over Vitesse in November.
Standing at 6”0, Hato is a strong, quick defender who is dominant in the air. Physically, there isn’t much wrong with Hato's game, but he can sometimes be caught ball-watching and his concentration is certainly an area for improvement. Hato's passing, tackling and blocking are among his strengths.
Jorrel Hato has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Getty Images)Hato can play as a left-sided centre-back in a three-man defence system and his versatility would be perfect for Arteta, who often changes the way his side sets up.
Having played alongside Timber at Ajax last season, Hato had nothing but praise for the Netherlands international when speaking to ELF Voetbal in October. He said: "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."
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