Forget Virgil van Dijk, Arsenal’s latest transfer target has actually ‘looked up to’ Jurrien Timber instead

Add as preferred source on Google

A versatile defender is on Mikel Arteta’s transfer wish list this summer at Arsenal.

With a long-term injury to Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber’s surgery, the Gunners do not want to leave themselves short in defensive areas heading into a crucial campaign.

Ben White had his struggles with fitness last season and Gabriel Magalhaes is hoping to be back for pre-season after also undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury.

Arsenal are interested in Jorrel Hato with Fabrizio Romano claiming that Andrea Berta has called Ajax to be kept informed on his situation. The Gunners could already hold a major advantage in any potential move for the young talent.

READ MORE: One call Arsenal have to make on Benjamin Sesko, or they will pay for it in the future

Jorrel Hato ‘looks up’ to Arsenal star Jurrien Timber

Hato is an excellent young prospect at Ajax and with his ability to play at both left back and centre back, it would be a shrewd acquisition by the club if they can get a deal over the line.

Speaking to the Athletic back in 2024, Hato revealed that instead of international teammate Virgil van Dijk, Gunners defender Timber is actually the player he ‘looks up to’.

Hato stated: “Coaches told me that I always needed to look up to Virgil van Dijk, but when I played in the under-18s, I always looked up to Jurrien Timber.

“I played with him for six months before he left, and I learned so much from him. When I came into the first team, he was my mentor. I love his playing style, his calmness on the ball. And he is just a great defender in defending terms.”

With Kieran Tierney joining Celtic and Oleksandr Zinchenko expected to depart the Emirates Stadium this summer, it opens up a move for Hato and Timber’s role in the deal could prove pivotal.

Does Jorrel Hato affect Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal position?

Should Hato make the move to North London, he would be in direct competition with Myles Lewis-Skelly for the left back spot.

Thomas Partey’s contract indecision could prove pivotal in any move for Hato, should he decide to leave Arsenal then Lewis-Skelly could be used in his more natural midfield position next season.

Riccardo Calafiori would also be competing for a place in Arteta’s line up but what the manager is creating is competition for places, and every successful side needs that.

Squad depth is exactly what cost Arsenal the Premier League title this season and a move for Hato would prove that the club are learning their lessons from past failures.