Arsenal have earmarked defensive cover as their most pressing issue to resolve in the January transfer window.
Arsenal need to get a defender through the door, and urgently.
Mikel Arteta is down to the bare bones in that position. Takehiro Tomiyasu is away at the Asia Cup, Jurrien Timber is still sidelined with a long-term injury and Ben White has been playing through injury over the last few months.
The Gunners were also without first-choice left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko in the defeat Fulham while Jakub Kiwior struggled out of position in that match.
Arteta will want to get a left-sided defender through the door as soon as possible and an update has now emerged on their pursuit of one.
Arsenal are ‘plotting move’ for Jorrel Hato
A report from Sam Dean via the Telegraph has revealed that Arsenal are plotting a move for highly-rated Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.
The 17-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects and would fill two problems for Arteta having showcased his versatility as a left-back or centre-back.
With 18 months left on his current deal, the Dutch giants want to tie him down to a long-term contract, but a switch to the Emirates could be tempting for the youngster after watching Jurrien Timber move in the same direction.
In an interview with ELF Voetbal in October, Hato said he wanted to follow in the same footsteps as his fellow countryman.
“It is also my dream to one day make such a transfer, but I realise that I still have a very long way to go.”
Hato would fix Arteta’s defensive crisis
Despite his age, Hato has already captained Ajax this season and made his first senior international appearance in November.
The teenage sensation has been described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as the ‘complete’ defender and the statistics certainly back up that claim.
In the Eredivisie this season, he ranks in the top 3% against his positional peers for successful take-ons, top 5% for tackles, top 7% for pass completion and top 9% for shot-creating actions, as per FBref.
If Arteta was to sign a such a complete left-sided defender, who could also provide cover at centre-back, he’d be landing a huge long-term upgrade on Zinchenko and Kiwior in that position.
Hato is developing into a quality defender and the fact he already wants to join Arsenal just shows that the club hold all the cards. They now need to play them correctly to acquire a superb long-term defensive option.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
