Arsenal in 'strong contact' with Ajax wonderkid

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 Jan 2024 19:19 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal are in 'strong contact' with the agent of Jorrel Hato, according to a report.

The Dutch wonderkid has emerged as one of Europe's biggest talents this term, marshalling Ajax's defence - and at times captaining them - despite being just 17 years of age. Hato's performances have, unsurprisingly, attracted the attention of Europe's elite.

In addition to Liverpool, Arsenal have most notably been linked with the versatile defender, who can feature all across the backline. Indeed, it is his versatility and reliability that make him so attractive to Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard, like his mentor Pep Guardiola, wants well-rounded defenders who can feature centrally and out wide.

Hato fits the bill perfectly and it is therefore unsurprising that the Gunners remain very keen indeed on securing the youngster's signature despite the recent news coming out of the Netherlands that the Amsterdam giants have an 'agreement in principle' with him on a new contract.

Gunners talking to Hato

That new deal would come into effect when he turns 18 in March, finally allowing him to sign a contract that runs for more than just three years. However, Arsenal could yet attempt to prevent this from happening with a January swoop, though he of course wouldn't be able to join until the summer given his age.

According to TEAMtalk, the Gunners are in 'strong contact' with his agent and are 'big fans' of the defender. Though the report acknowledges that the north London club will likely only make their move in the summer, it is not ruled out that they could be tempted into an approach before the end of the current window.

However, the Gunners don't have a lot of money to spend this month and Ajax will surely play hardball over any potential deal. Hato is a key cog in John van 't Schip's side and will be crucial as Ajax attempt to salvage their campaign and get into Europe in the second half of the season after a historically bad start that left them in the relegation zone at one point.