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Arsenal are reported to have made calls to Ajax to be informed on the situation of defender Jorrel Hato ahead of a potential move this summer.
The Gunners have been long-term suitors of the Dutch youngster and it appears they are reigniting that interest as they look to recruit defensive reinforcements during the transfer window. Nothing is advanced, but it looks as if a deal could potentially be on the cards.
While a defender may not be a priority for Arsenal amid their hunt for a striker and other positions, a move for Hato would be an exemption. Given his talent, he would be an absolute no-brainer signing for the club.
Why Jorrel Hato would be a no-brainer signing for Arsenal
If Arsenal are to sign another defender this summer, it'll be someone who can be a suitable backup to the well established centre back pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. Hato would be a perfect fit for that.
The Gunners have been linked with moves for a number of defenders, including Marc Guehi, but Hato is clearly the most suitable candidate. Players like Guehi are far too established to come in and be a backup whereas the Dutchman, while already very experienced, would be better suited to playing that role.
Despite being just 19-years-old, Hato has already enjoyed a busy start to his career, making 111 appearances for Ajax and being capped six times for the Netherlands. He has established himself a core member of the Dutch side after making his first team debut in January 2023.
He has proven himself as a versatile option, impressing as both a left back and centre back for his boyhood club and nation. Arsenal are not short of left-sided defenders with Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori all key parts of the squad, but with Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko potentially on their way out this summer, a replacement could be needed.
At his young age, Hato may need time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League and operating as a backup option would allow that. He would be able to gain valuable experience by coming into the side for cup competitions as well as making sporadic appearances in the league.
There would also be a real possibility that he would be viewed as a long-term successor to Gabriel. The Brazilian has been a great servant for Arsenal and after recently putting pen to paper on a new deal, he won't be going anywhere for the foreseeable, but it's hard to not see Hato as his heir. By the time Gabriel's contract expires in 2029, Hato would only be 23, a year older than his potential superior was when he signed for the Gunners.
Of course, it will be hard to convince the youngster to make the move. He would be going from being a first-choice at Ajax to a backup who would step in at times for Arsenal. It won't be easy, but if Andrea Berta and Co can present an ideal long-term plan to him, they may be in luck.
Hato may find it hard to turn down the opportunity to play for a title challenging team in what is regarded by many as the best league in the world. Playing in England's top flight is the dream of many footballers and if presented with the chance, he may very well snap it up. Arsenal will just have to try their hardest to convince him to join them instead of other suitors such as Chelsea.
He won't come cheap, with Ajax reported to be prepared to demand over £40m for their star. However, with Hato likely to be a long-term addition to the squad, that would be a great investment for Arsenal to make.
Jorrel Hato would simply be a no-brainer signing for Arsenal. A young player with his experience will come in handy for Mikel Arteta. While the defender may need time to adapt, the Gunners boss would be able to call on him to step into the side when needed without the risk of weakening the overall ability of the squad.
Not only could he provide quality in the here and now, he has the potential to be a long-term core member of the team, but with other players initially likely higher in the pecking order, it won't be easy to convince him to make the move, but if the Gunners can do so, he would simply be a brilliant signing.