Arsenal are considering a move for Ajax whizzkid Jorrel Hato in a bid to add depth in defence for the start of the 2025/26 season. Mikel Arteta’s side is gearing up for another grueling season of competing among multiple fronts and Arsenal wish to bolster their backline with youth, versatility and tactical intelligence—and Hato ticks all the boxes.
The 19-year-old Dutch defender has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting defensive prospects after an impressive season with Ajax in the Eredivisie. Able to play as a left-back and a centre-back, Hato provides the positional flexibility of a player far his senior. Arsenal scouts have monitored him extensively for the last 12 months and admire his ball-playing nature, composure in possession, and leadership qualities showcased on the channel.
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Arsenal are monitoring Ajax’s 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato, also wanted by Chelsea, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. The versatile Dutch star, contracted until 2028, could cost £40m. pic.twitter.com/z9ez7E62Se
Ajax understandably do not wish to lose the promising talent. The Amsterdam outfit see Hato as the hub of their rebuilding project after a turbulent time on and off the pitch. He had already captained Ajax on several occasions over the season of 2024/25, making him the club’s youngest captain in decades. But financial strain and mounting interest from Premier League sides could lead Ajax to review their position if an offer to match their valuation is submitted.
It is claimed the gunners are ready to start talks with an offer in the region of £35M. Although Arsenal have not submitted a formal bid, sources claim intermediaries have already started discussions. Ajax will likely demand a fee closer to £45 million, especially since Hato’s contract runs until 2028.
Instead, Mikel Arteta has long been attracted to defenders with technical quality, tactical intelligence and ability on the ball. Hato is the kind of player who has all of those qualities. Despite his tender years, the Dutchman performs with the swagger of a veteran pro. His left-footedness is something which has always been a bit of a premium at Arsenal, given the right-footed nature of the likes of William Saliba and Ben White in the centre-back ranks.
Hato’s flexibility is a also reflection of the profiles of current Arsenal full backs Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior – two players who are adept at occupying different areas of the pitch in the build up. The Ajax starlet has an excellent reading of the game, follows runners closely and has displayed leadership skills for club and his country’s youth sides.
🚨🔴🇳🇱 Both Arsenal and Chelsea have held talks with Jorrel Hato about a potential summer deal.
Hato believes Arsenal to be his near-perfect next step.
(@GraemeBailey) pic.twitter.com/DIVysjLksM
As speculation around Gabriel Magalhães’ potential summer departure grows, Arsenal are weighing up their options at the back. Signing a player such as the 19-year-old Hato would serve as a future proof for their defence and would towards the project that the club has of creating a squad full of world class young players.
Ajax are still trying to persuade Hato to stay on in Amsterdam for at least one more year, however the lure of Premier League football and Arsenal’s reputation for making opportunities for young talent could be too much to resist.
Hato would be a signing with a great deal of method and vision, a pressure valve with benefits in the short-term and perhaps one day further down the line. At 18, he has made over 50 senior appearances, captained Ajax, and impressed against European heavyweights. His profile fits the tactical demands of Arteta, and his ceiling is really high.
Still, stepping up from the Eredivisie to the Premier League isn’t easy, especially for defenders. Even the most talented starlets can be left raw by English football’s physicality and speed and tactical nuance. Arsenal should not push Hato into action too quickly. It would have to be a slow introduction and be heavily mentored by the established defenders.
If Arsenal can sign him at the right price, they won’t just be buying a defender, they’ll be acquiring the future captain. Hato is not the question. It comes down to whether Arsenal are prepared to invest in his long-term development.
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