Arsenal are likely to be in the market for a left-back in this summer transfer window, and Jorrel Hato is on the list of targets for this position, Arsenal Insider understands.
Hato is enjoying a fine season for Ajax, starting predominantly at left-back for the Eredivisie side, scoring twice and registering six assists in 22 league starts.
The Gunners have tracked the Dutchman for a long time, and they could finally make their move in the summer.
However, the signing is dependent on departures, with the likes of Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s futures dictating whether the North Londoners pursue a new left-back.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of Jorrel Hato
It’s well-documented that Arsenal want to sign a striker, a winger and a midfielder in the upcoming window, although reports have also suggested that another left-back is on the agenda.
Riccardo Calafiori continues to struggle with injuries, Myles Lewis-Skelly may ultimately develop into a midfielder and Takehiro Tomiyasu has missed almost the entirety of this season through injury.
Kieran Tierney will join Celtic on a free transfer at the end of this campaign, while Kiwior and Zinchenko’s status’ in the squad aren’t guaranteed.
Arsenal have been interested in Hato for well over a year, with Mikel Arteta known to be an admirer, and they may reignite this interest over the summer.
TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that ‘nobody knows more’ about Hato, and that he expects the Gunners to be in the market for a left-back.
“Arsenal have been on Hato’s trail more so than anyone,” he said.
“They’ve known about him since he was 16. They’ve almost signed him in the last two years. Nobody knows more about Hato than Arsenal. They love the player.
“He’s proven more so at left-back in the last 12 months, he’s really cemented his place there.
“Arsenal will be in the market for a left-back most likely. We know Tierney is going, Zinchenko is available. Lewis-Skelly, is his future further forward? Quite possibly.
“Kiwior will go back to Italy and they’ll probably allow that. So there is space in the squad for that left-sider. Hato is not a new name, he’s someone that Arsenal have known a lot about.
“Liverpool also like him a lot. When Arsenal were first linked to Hato he was very much a new name on the horizon. That was two years ago now. They still like him.
“I thought they might go for him before [Riccardo] Calafiori, but obviously that deal came up and they did it.”
Essentially, it appears that Arsenal will pursue a left-back if Kiwior and Zinchenko depart the Emirates, with Hato the most prominent target in this area of the pitch.
Should Arsenal sign Jorrel Hato?
An exceptionally talented player, Hato has developed well over the last year, and looks the real deal.
Extremely comfortable in possession, the 19-year-old has an outstanding range of passing, whilst being a physically dominant and secure defender.
Having said that, it could be argued that Arsenal shouldn’t be allocating any of their resources to another full-back.
Calafiori was a £42 million signing who’ll expect to play regularly, while Lewis-Skelly has earned the left-back spot for the time being, even if he has a future in midfield.
Meanwhile, once Tomiyasu is fit, he can be deployed on this side, as can Jurrien Timber.
Thus, even if Kiwior and Zinchenko leave, Arsenal are stacked with options at left-back, making the potential addition of Hato unneccessary.
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