Stats show why Arteta is keen on bringing the next Saliba to Arsenal in January

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Arsenal have been linked with a move for Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato in recent days, and it is easy to see why Mikel Arteta wants him.

The 17-year-old has already made 40 appearances for Ajax, who find themselves in crisis after a nightmare start to the season.

The teenager is the youngest-ever player to captain the Dutch giants in European competition, and with 18 months left on his deal, he could become available to Arsenal if they pursue a move.

Arsenal are short in defence, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber currently injured, but their financial fair play difficulties means that they are more likely to sign a defender on loan. However, this market opportunity could be too good to turn down.

Jorrel Hato’s remarkable Ajax statistics

The teenager is a left-footed centre-back who can also play at left-back, making him a very tempting option for Arteta as extra cover for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Squawka have now highlighted that, compared to other Eredivisie centre-backs, Hato has made the most tackles, won the most ground duels, completed the most take-ons and made the most interceptions inside his own box.

Although the strength of quality within the league can be questioned, Timber arrived from Ajax this summer, and settled in instantly before picking up a long-term injury.

Arsenal’s interest therefore comes from wanting to secure a potentially world-class young talent before his price shoots up, and Hato could even make an immediate impact, given that he has played regularly for his side despite his young age.

Could Hato follow the path of William Saliba?

Arsenal paid a fairly substantial fee in 2019 when they secured a teenage William Saliba from Saint-Etienne.

Although it took three years before he eventually joined the first-team squad, the wait was worth it, as he is one of the two-best defenders in the Premier League.

Saliba is still 22 and already on his way to becoming one of the best players in the world, and Arsenal struck gold when they spent a significant fee on him despite his limited experience and the delay before he would start to produce for the club.

If Arsenal choose to sign Hato, and even loan him back to Ajax, they could secure him for a fee much lower than market value, given Ajax’s struggles and his contract situation, and he could arrive as an experienced but young defender with a talent level high enough to potentially become a mainstay in the team for years to come.