Arsenal has rushed ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool, who both have been linked with Ajax Starlet Jorrel Hato, in a major summer of transfer business. Arsenal has offered Hato, a 19-year-old Dutch international, a contract for six years. Moreover, the Gunners opened formal negotiations with the representatives of Hato and Ajax. This will help them to be able to recruit him before any competitor can make their interest formal (the champion bid by Ajax is for €50m).
Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato is seen as one of the best young defenders in Europe. He was also impressive during the 2024/25 Eredivisie season, playing 31 matches (30 starts) getting 2 goals and 6 assists, and has over 100 appearances for Ajax at first-team level. He has over 100 appearances for Ajax at the first team level. Being the youngest captain of Ajax, he is displaying the raw potential to become a world-class player. He is already excelling at left-back and center-back. Moreover, Hato perfectly fits into manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical priorities of ball-playing defenders and tactical versatility. He will only go to the next level while he is under the correct coaching.
While Chelsea initiated early talks with Ajax last month , Arsenal’s decisively intervened. They featured direct talks and a long-term contract proposal has positioned them as frontrunners. Sources confirm “positive talks” between all parties. Hato reportedly “evaluating Arsenal’s project” and is already drawn to the club’s vision under Arteta . The Gunners’ urgency partly drives by defensive restructuring needs, with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s expected departure, Kieran Tierney’s exit, and uncertainty over Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior .
🚨 JUST IN 🚨 #Arsenal have submitted a long term contract offer to Dutch ⭐ Jorrel Hato TODAY 🗞️ [ @CmdotCom_En ]
The deal would see Hato stay in North London until 2031. The 19 year old CB has made 75 appearances for Ajax since 2022 and has 3 caps for the Dutch national team… pic.twitter.com/qXzTwKtnqm
Despite Arsenal’s lead, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Real Madrid remain monitoring the situation . However, Chelsea’s focus has shifted temporarily to the Club World Cup, creating a window for Arsenal to advance negotiations . Crucially, Arsenal possess a unique psychological edge. Hato openly idolizes compatriot Jurrien Timber, whom he consulted about transitioning between defensive roles. “He’s definitely a role model for me,” Hato stated earlier this year .
Ajax, financially stabilized after last summer’s sales, are reluctant to lose their captain but acknowledge his inevitable departure if their valuation is met. Technical director Alex Kroes admitted, “At some point, he will be too good, and he will leave” . The €50 million fee could prove a hurdle, though Arsenal’s proactive steps—including personal terms—suggest confidence in finalizing a deal .
For Arteta, securing Hato represents both immediate tactical depth and a long-term defensive cornerstone. For rivals, it signals Arsenal’s intent to outmaneuver them in the market for elite young talent. As talks progress, North London appears the likeliest destination for a player poised to define Europe’s defensive landscape for years to come. Arsenal have surged ahead in the race to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, submitting a formal six-year contract offer to the 19-year-old after holding positive talks with his representatives and the Dutch club . The Gunners’ aggressive approach aims to outpace rivals Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle United, capitalizing on Chelsea’s diverted focus toward the Club World Cup .
🚨 | Arsenal have submitted a 6-year contract to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato (19), according to @SebEcrivainFoot
The Gunners are working on a £45m fee to bring him to the Emirates. 🇳🇱 #AFC #Transfers pic.twitter.com/Qm6reyMw9q
Hato—and valued at £30m—£43m—is incredibly versatile on the pitch, playing as a left back and centre back. In the 2024/25 Eredivisie season, he had 2 goals, 6 assists, and 11 clean sheets in 31 matches. Moreover, he demonstrated above average tactical and ball-playing maturity. With Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney both leaving, manager Mikel Arteta views him as a perfect long-term fit for his system. While Liverpool and Newcastle remain threats, Arsenal’s early contract offer, and urgency make them frontrunners. Securing Hato would signal a strategic investment in defensive evolution, aligning with Arteta’s blueprint for sustainable success.
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