Arsenal are now ‘interested’ in wonderkid who set all-time record for his club

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It has now been confirmed that Arsenal hold an interest in Ajax defender Jorrel Hato ahead of the January transfer window.

The 17-year-old is a left-footed centre-back, who can also play on the flanks, and with Arsenal desperate for defensive depth, he could be an option to add to the squad in January.

Ajax are currently in a crisis, as the Dutch giants came third in their Europa League group, and are languishing in fifth place in the Eredivisie.

However, the emergence of Hato has been a shining light in an otherwise dismal season, and he recently became their youngest-ever captain in a European game, wearing the armband once donned by Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten at 17-years-old in the Europa League this season.

Arsenal are interested in Jorrel Hato

A report from The Athletic has now confirmed that Arsenal are interested in the defender, but they are aware that a deal could be difficult to complete.

“Arsenal are also interested in Ajax’s 17-year-old defender Jorrel Hato. The teenager has been a rare bright spot in a troubled season for the Amsterdam club, wearing the captain’s armband on occasion, and has already received his first cap for the Dutch senior team,” the report stated.

“Hato plays as a left-sided centre-back or left-back, so would complement Timber. Arsenal believe Ajax’s game model is analogous to their own, hence Timber’s swift adaptation.

“Hato would not come cheap, however, and Arsenal may decide they need someone more experienced to help in the run-in.”

Should Arsenal target Jorrel Hato in January?

Even though Hato does look an interesting prospect, the question remains over what kind of defender Arsenal need to add to the squad urgently.

Right now, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior are capable of playing at left-back whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are both injured.

On the right, there is no depth beyond Ben White. Cedric Soares is not considered a viable option for crucial games, and he could also leave in January.

Arsenal may need a right-sided defender in light of this, and given Hato’s relative inexperience, having made 40 senior appearances in his career, a more senior option may be desirable for the winter window.

Hato could be someone that Arsenal come back for in the summer, as a long-term option, but right now they may need a player ready to step in for White, which could also allow the Englishman to play in the centre to cover for William Saliba, and Hato’s preference for the left will not solve this issue.