Arsenal target another Ajax defender after Jurrien Timber signing

James Shearman

• Updated: 4 Jan 2024 16:05 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, having also signed Jurrien Timber from the Dutch giants last summer.

The Gunners have regularly sent scouts to watch the youngster, whose versatility particularly impresses Mikel Arteta, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The 17-year-old has been a regular in Ajax's team this season, playing in the centre or on the left of the defence.

Hato to Arsenal?

Arsenal are thought to be in the market for a defender, with Timber likely to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

Meanwhile, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko have not impressed in the left-back position of late.

And, despite Hato's age, he would be capable of going straight into Arsenal's starting lineup if he were to sign this month.

However, reports suggest that Arsenal are unlikely to make a move for the Netherlands international at this time.

A summer transfer seems much more likely, which would also give Hato another six months to prepare for the demands of the Premier League.

The defender has previously expressed his interest in a move to Arsenal, while speaking on Timber's transfer earlier in the season.

"Unfortunately, he was seriously injured in his first Premier League match for Arsenal, but he is still young and has a bright future ahead of him," Hato told ELF Voetbal in October.

"In any case, the move to Arsenal was a wonderful one for him. It is also my dream to one day make such a transfer, but I realise that I still have a very long way to go."

Hato is valued at €19.3 million euros by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, though the upper estimate of our range stands at €24.2m