Arsenal ready to 'go all out' on breakout wonderkid transfer

Suraj Radia

• 18 Oct 2024 09:00 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal will reportedly ‘go all out’ on a breakout international star whom they believe could ‘secure their defensive future’.

The Gunners have boasted one of the best defences in the Premier League in recent seasons, conceding the lowest amount of goals last season and having the third-best record this year.

Mikel Arteta has continued to bolster his backline during his time at the club, adding Riccardo Calafiori to his squad this summer in a €45 million transfer.

READ MORE: Arsenal's 10 most expensive transfers of all time

However, Arteta could still look to add another left-sided defender to his ranks, with Fichajes claiming that Arsenal have ‘set their sights’ on Jorrel Hato after seeing the Ajax youngster’s stock grow rapidly.

The 18-year-old is believed to have been watched by Arsenal during the international break, having come off the bench in the Netherland’s draw against Hungary and playing all 90 minutes in the loss to Germany.

Arsenal are believed to have previously tried to sign Hato, with the teenager already a star player for Ajax, but they will face strong competition in the Dutchman should they formalise their interest.

Arsenal could still pursue Hato despite new contract

Hato has made nearly 100 appearances for Ajax despite his tender age and became a consistent starter for the Dutch side last season, which continued to attract attention from other sides.

Ajax managed to tie Hato down to a new four-year contract in March but it is believed that a significant offer could tempt both the club and a player into a move.

Current ETV

Jorrel Hato

D (CL)

Ajax

Jorrel Hato

D (CL)

Ajax

€15.4M

ETV Range

€11.6M - €19.3M

View full profile

Real Madrid have also held a long-term interest in Hato as they look to rejuvenate their defence, particularly with David Alaba still struggling to return from his ACL injury.

Arsenal would likely need to see another left-sided defender leave, such as Oleksandr Zinchenko or Kieran Tierney, before being able to add a player like Hato to their squad.

The Gunners are also likely to prioritise a forward before investing heavily into their already-strong defence, however the long-term admiration for Hato indicates that Arsenal will be frontrunners for his signature if the Ajax star did become available.