n n n ‘. concat(e. i18n. t(“search. voice. recognition_retry”),’n
Arsenal are a solution for Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato as the club looks to bolster Mikel Arteta’s defence in the long term.
The 17-year-old Hato is considered one of Europe’s clients and can play as a centre-back or left-back. The Dutch foreigner has 18 months left on his current contract, although Ajax are willing to tie him to a new long-term deal.
Hato’s performances have been a bright spark in a difficult season for Ajax and the feeling in the Netherlands is that Arsenal are more likely to formalise their interest this summer than in the January window.
Arsenal have recently been on move deals with Ajax, having signed Jurrien Timber from the Dutch club in a deal worth up to £39m last summer.
Earlier this season, Hato said he would one day like to follow in the footsteps of Timber, who has recently been recovering from a serious knee injury, by joining the Premier League as well.
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 is glorious for him. It’s also my dream to one day make that transfer, but I realize I still have a long way to go.
Hato has captained Ajax in the past, despite his age, and made his first appearance abroad in November. So far this season, he has played every single minute of every single game for his club. Lately 5th in the Eredivisie.
See this on Instagram
A post shared via Jorrel Hato (@jorrelhato)
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 suggest Kiwior is of interest to clubs in Serie A, where he previously played for Spezia.
Kiwior has made four starts in the Premier League for Arsenal this season. The most recent of these at left-back was in last weekend’s defeat to Fulham, when he came on at half-time.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.