Andrea Berta is supportive of Mikel Arteta’s desire to sign a defender this summer, and Jorrel Hato is a serious option that Arsenal are exploring, Arsenal Insider understands.
Hato enjoyed an impressive season for Ajax, scoring twice and registering six assists across 31 Eredivisie appearances.
Starting games at both centre-back and left-back, the Dutchman’s form and versatility have attracted interest from a host of clubs throughout Europe, including the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.
Ajax have received a call from Arsenal about Hato’s availability this week, with the Gunners eager to bolster their defensive cohort ahead of the new season.
Arsenal want to sign Jorrel Hato this summer
Oleksandr Zinchenko is attracting interest from AC Milan, while Kieran Tierney has already left Arsenal this summer, returning to boyhood club Celtic on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, Jakub Kiwior could yet depart N5, meaning the Gunners could yet lose three left-sided defenders in this window.
While Arteta will still have the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Magalhaes at his disposal, the Spaniard would like to add one more to his ranks.
It could certainly be dependent on whether Kiwior does leave or not, although if a market opportunity presents itself, Arsenal may take the plunge regardless.
Hato may become an opportunistic option available on the market, and transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that the Gunners have long-admired the player.
“Jorrel Hato is a player that Arsenal love, they have been aware of him and watching him since before he was 16 – we know that,” Bailey said.
Given this overwhelming admiration, Arsenal could opt to move for Hato regardless of the left-sided defenders already in Arteta’s squad, as they may feel they don’t want to miss out on such a prodigious talent.
The Gunners have other areas of their squad that need addressing, which may prompt fans to question investing in another defender, but Bailey believes new sporting director Berta is behind Arteta’s desire to add to his backline.
“Even with Andrea Berta coming in – I am told that he has reviewed Hato and very much backs up the club’s feelings on him – a wonderful prospect, with outstanding character – there is very little not to like about Hato.
“Arsenal want him this summer, that is true – but they are not alone in liking him, that is the biggest issue with Hato – not if they want him, but if they can.”
The competition from Chelsea may ultimately hinder Arsenal’s ability to land Hato.
The Blues may be able to offer the 19-year-old more regular playing time, which could dictate the player’s decision.
Jorrel Hato could be Gabriel Magalhaes’ long-term successor
In the immediate term, Hato is likely to struggle to usurp Hale End graduate Lewis-Skelly at left-back or Gabriel at left-centre-back.
However, the Netherlands international may be sold on the idea of succeeding the Brazilian in the long-term.
Gabriel signed a new contract until 2029 earlier this month, meaning he’s locked down at the heart of the Gunners’ defence for the next four years.
However, Hato could develop under the 27-year-old in the meantime, with a view to replacing him in 2029.
The starlet would only be 23 by then, and arguably needs time to develop his game anyway, particularly at centre-back.
This kind of considered long-term plan could appeal to Hato, and potentially convince him to pick Arsenal over Chelsea, who appear to be stockpiling talented youngsters without any sort of cohesive vision as to how to develop them.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
