Opinion

Myles Lewis-Skelly could block £46m Arsenal transfer as Dutch media reveal new problem

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Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly could be the key behind a transfer going through for one target over the summer window.

The Gunners have been on the search for some fresh options to bring to the squad, one area being the backline.

Mikel Arteta has plenty of players in the defensive ranks, but there could soon be a shuffling of his players.

Potential exits for Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer have prompted Arsenal to look at other names for the backline.

One of whom is Jorrel Hato, a young and versatile Ajax defender, who is still on the club’s radar.

Netherlands U21s celebrate scoring against Ukraine in the U21s Euros
Photo by Jeroen van den Berg/Soccrates/Getty Images

Arsenal transfer target Jorrel Hato struggles in central defence in new potential problem

Arsenal have shown transfer interest in Jorrel Hato over the past few transfer windows, who is rated at £46 million, with the Ajax youngster developing into one to watch for the future.

While the Gunners are keeping tabs on him as an option for central defence and left-back, there could be a slight problem.

While featuring for the Netherlands Under-21s in the European Championships, there have been some difficulties playing at centre-back.

In a huge game against Ukraine, the Jong Oranje needed a win to give themselves a chance of making the quarter-finals.

They managed it with a two-goal margin, booking a place in the knockout rounds, though not without their challenges.

Hato came in for some praise from the Dutch media, though questions have arisen surrounding his best position.

Voetbal Primeur said on the star’s performance: “After eight minutes, Hato suffered a sloppy loss of possession.

“In any case, he makes a somewhat restless impression in central defence at times. Nevertheless, not a bad performance by Hato, who seems to be able to get his point across better as a full-back.”

That, in itself, could be a problem for Arsenal if they do make a move for Hato this summer, given their strength at full-back over centre-back.

Jorrel Hato celebrates a goal for Netherlands U21s against Ukraine
Photo by Jeroen van den Berg/Soccrates/Getty Images

Myles Lewis-Skelly could end up blocking Jorrel Hato to Arsenal

With Hato seemingly playing better as a left-back, rather than a centre-back, there could be a problem in fitting him into the Arsenal team.

The Gunners could need centre-back cover more than at left-back, not least given the latest news in that position.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has agreed a new Arsenal contract, which will seemingly tie down his long-term future at the club.

Myles Lewis-Skelly reacts during an Arsenal match
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

The Hale End academy graduate has been the standout option in that position, while Riccardo Calafiori is more than capable of providing competition there.

If Hato is expecting to play at left-back, then he may well struggle to get into the team, while centre-back could be a problem position too.

In all, it means Lewis-Skelly could end up blocking that move, with the potential need to look elsewhere for versatile centre-back cover.