One Arsenal transfer target has now revealed that he has a personal idol already at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta has made a habit of investing in youth in his time as Arsenal manager.
That was somewhat the case this summer, as the Gunners brought 22-year-old defender Riccardo Calafiori to North London. However, beyond that, more experienced options were signed in the shape of Mikel Merino, Raheem Sterling, and Neto.
However, going forward, it is likely that sporting director Edu Gaspar will shift his transfer focus back towards signing younger players.
One such target could be Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato. The 18-year-old defender is certainly on Arteta’s radar.
Arsenal have been linked with Hato before, and the teenager has now revealed that he has an existing connection with a player currently plying his trade in North London.
Jorrel Hato discusses Jurrien Timber and Virgil van Dijk
Arsenal have signed a talented defender from Ajax recently, as Jurrien Timber was snapped up from the Dutch giants last summer.
Hato worked closely with Timber before he was prised away from Ajax.
As quoted by The Athletic, the younger Dutchman recently revealed: “Coaches told me that I always needed to look up to Virgil van Dijk, but when I played in the under-18s, I always looked up to Jurrien Timber.”
Expanding on his relationship with Timber, he then added: “I played with him for six months before he left, and I learned so much from him.
“When I came into the first team, he was my mentor. I love his playing style, his calmness on the ball. And he is just a great defender in defending terms.”
Should Hato be set to make the switch to Arsenal himself, Timber will be expected to help him settle in his new surroundings.
Mentors at Arsenal
Such mentorships as Hato shared with Timber are generally encouraged by Arteta.
Martin Odegaard has mentored Ethan Nwaneri in the past, the Hale End academy starlet could now be set to fill the club captain’s shoes. Odegaard is unlikely to be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
Nwaneri is one of the midfield alternatives Arteta will be considering ahead of this North London Derby.
On top of that, Declan Rice has learned from Jorginho in his time at the club. The Italian veteran is one of the most senior figures in the Arsenal dressing room and will have plenty of valuable guidance to share.
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