Romano delivers crushing blow to Arsenal's summer plans

Tom Weber

12 Mar 2024 04:24 CDT
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato will most likely not be on the move in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The defender has emerged as one of Europe's biggest talents this term despite Ajax's struggles. A regular starter - and even captain at times - at just 17 years of age, the now-18-year-old is on the verge of penning a new long-term deal with the Amsterdam giants.

Capable of playing centre-back as well as left-back, Hato has become a sought-after commodity thanks to his promising performances, being one of the few bright spots in what has otherwise been a disappointing season by Ajax's lofty standards.

Arsenal are the Premier League side most prominently linked with the youngster and it had been thought that the Gunners would move for Hato in the summer. However, that likely won't be the case now, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Ajax set to keep Hato until 2025

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the Italian transfer expert revealed that Hato is expected to remain with Ajax at least until 2025 in the wake of penning his deal.

“Staying with Arsenal, they have scouted talented young Ajax defender Jorel Hato multiple times, but he’s now set to sign a new contract. The new deal will be valid until June 2028, with no release clause included."

“So, there is no movement expected for Hato this summer, but it could change especially in 2025, and Arsenal are one of the teams who have sent scouts to monitor him on several occasions.”

One alternative for the Gunners could be Willian Pacho. It has been revealed that the Eintracht Frankfurt star, who is also a left-sided defender like Hato, has been shortlisted by Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the summer. He won't come cheap, though, with the Bundesliga side demanding at least €60 million.