Arsenal will ONLY sign Timber 2.0 on one condition

Cameron Smith

• 2 Apr 2024 22:45 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal may end their pursuit of Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato due to the form of Jakub Kiwior.

The Poland international had been heavily linked with a return to Serie A during the January transfer window, but he has been given a new lease of life in an unfamiliar left-back role.

Kiwior is a natural centre-back, however Mikel Arteta has copied Pep Guardiola’s tactic of using four central defenders in his back four recently and this switch has enabled the 24-year-old to become a key player at the Emirates Stadium.

As a result, Arsenal are reportedly unlikely to sign Hato, who has been compared by Gunners defender Jurrien Timber.

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What has been said?

Arsenal reporter Charles Watts discussed the Gunners’ summer transfer plans in his CaughtOffside column and revealed that Hato is a key target, although a deal may not happen this summer.

“I think there is always a need to continue to improve your squad. Arsenal’s priorities this summer are certainly towards the top end of the pitch, but if an opportunity presents itself at the back then maybe they could look to try and strengthen,” Watts revealed.

“Jorrel Hato is a reported target and he fits the bill in terms of the players Arsenal like to recruit. I think a lot would depend on Jakub Kiwior’s future though when it comes to Hato or any other defender, such as Ousmane Diomande.

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“A few months ago it was looking likely that Kiwior could potentially move on, with several Italian clubs believed to be monitoring his situation at Arsenal. But now he is getting more and more game time and looking more and more settled,” Watts added.

“He’s been impressive operating as a makeshift left-back and has shown why Arsenal were keen to bring him in from Italy. If he stays and continues to get game time, I’m not convinced Arsenal will look to spend big on a defender this summer. I think they will spend their money elsewhere.”