Arsenal willing ‘to go furthest’ to sign 18-year-old talent, but there’s now one issue

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Arsenal were reportedly willing ‘to go the furthest’ to sign Jorrel Hato, but the defender is now set to sign a new long-term contract with Ajax.

The 18-year-old talent has been one of the breakout youngsters in Europe this year, with Hato playing every single minute for Ajax this campaign in what has been the Dutch giant’s worst season since the 1960s.

Wearing the armband on a few occasions, Hato has been one of the few bright lights for Ajax this year, and the defender’s performances have attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal as well as praise from Jordan Henderson.

Arsenal run into Jorrel Hato issue after new Ajax contract is agreed

Yet according to De Telegraaf, Hato has now agreed a new contract with Ajax, a deal that is set to be announced before the Amsterdam-based club travels to England to face Aston Villa in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

As per the report, Arsenal were willing ‘to go the furthest’ to sign Hato, with the Gunners eager to lay down a healthy financial package to bring the teenage defender to north London.

However, the now rather big issue of Hato signing a new contract with Ajax has now put Arsenal’s plans on hold, with a move now extremely unlikely heading into the summer.

Indeed, Hato could have been an incredible addition for Mikel Arteta’s side this year, yet the defender’s decision to remain with Ajax could be one that benefits both the player and Arsenal later down the line.

Gunners can wait to sign defensive wonderkid Jorrel Hato

Given how young Hato is, the defender signing a new contract with Ajax is arguably the right decision for the 18-year-old with the youngster already a regular for the Dutch giants.

Whilst Arsenal signing the teenager this summer would have been ideal, Hato remaining with Ajax means the defender is more likely to develop and take his game to a new level.

As a result, Arsenal can afford to wait an extra two or even three years to move again for Hato, at which time the defender would have improved as a player and will be more ready for the move to the Premier League.