Arsenal poised to attempt 'IMPOSSIBLE' wonderkid transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 1 May 2024 15:56 BST
3 min read

Edu Gaspar, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Arsenal are ready to make a 'renewed attempt' for Jorrel Hato, according to a report.

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The Dutch wonderkid has been one of the rare bright spots in what has otherwise been a pretty dire season for Ajax. Hato became a regular starter for the Eredivisie giants at just 17 and he has only gone from strength to strength since.

The 18-year-old has even captained the side at times this term and impressed with his overall performances in difficult circumstances. This has, unsurprisingly, attracted big-name attention.

Hato was the subject of significant January interest, but no move ultimately materialised, with Ajax unwilling to lose a key player mid-season. Instead, Hato penned a new contract without a release clause, keeping him tied to the Amsterdam outfit until 2028.

As a result, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that it is highly unlikely that the versatile defender will be on the move this summer, though he will likely be on the market next year.

Arsenal to move for Hato?

Despite this, TBR Football claims that Arsenal are ready to make a 'renewed attempt' for Hato this summer after already eyeing him in January. Hato has been on the Gunners' radar for a year and Arsenal scouts have followed his development closely.

It is asserted that Arsenal are not deterred by the Dutchman's new contract and could try to test Ajax's resolve in the upcoming window. It is not hard to see why Mikel Arteta would be keen on Hato.

The 18-year-old is primarily a centre-back but can also feature at left-back and this versatility is a trait that the Basque boss loves in players, hence why he signed Hato's ex-teammate Jurrien Timber in 2023.

Having recovered from an ACL injury, Timber is set to become Arsenal's starting left-back in the near future, but given FootballTransfers' exclusive reporting that the Gunners are open to cashing in on Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer, it makes sense to pursue another player who can feature in that position.