Arsenal are reportedly preparing to make a decisive move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, a player who is not only adaptable across the backline but also eager to don red and white.
Arsenal in Pole Position to Land Ajax Prodigy This Summer
At just 19, Hato stands out as one of Europe’s most exciting defensive talents.
Equally fluent as a centre-back or left-back, he racked up 31 Eredivisie appearances this past season—starting 30—and chalked up 2 goals and 6 assists in a whopping 2,592 minutes.
His versatility and technical comfort on the ball align perfectly with Mikel Arteta’s preference for fluid, ball-playing defenders.
A recent TEAMtalk report revealed Arsenal are “well placed” in the race for Hato, positioning themselves ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool, with Ajax asking north of €50 million.
Despite heavy interest from other Premier League clubs, Hato reportedly sees the Emirates as a “near perfect destination” for his next step.
However, the young Dutchman isn’t rushing. He recently reaffirmed his commitment to Ajax, describing the club as “home,” stating,
“I still have plenty of time. I don’t think ‘I absolutely have to win the Champions League in two years’” . Signed long-term through 2028, Ajax are under no immediate pressure to sell .
For Arsenal, Hato presents a compelling blend of promise and immediate utility.
As Bundesliga rapport: Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, and William Saliba fill various defensive roles, Hato would offer depth while also being a future-ready investment—especially with potential exits of Jakub Kiwior or Oleksandr Zinchenko on the horizon.
With negotiations reportedly underway, Arsenal’s transfer team appears ready to push forward.
Whether Ajax’s valuation is met and whether Hato makes the leap this summer remain to be seen—but all signs point to a summer drama centered on one of Europe’s brightest defensive youngsters.
