Arsenal eyeing ‘complete’ Ajax prodigy
Arsenal have reportedly expressed an interest in signing an Ajax player who has previously expressed his desire to follow in Jurrien Timber’s footsteps.
A few days ago, The Telegraph reported that the Gunners are plotting a move to sign Jorrel Hato, a 17-year-old who has been making waves in the Dutch top flight.
Hato has just 18 months left on his current deal. While Ajax reportedly want to tie him down on a new long-term contract, this hasn’t stopped other clubs from circling.
The teenager – who can play at left-back and centre-back – has made his breakthrough this season following Timber’s move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
To date, Hato has made 25 appearances for Ajax in all competitions. This includes 16 in the Eredivisie and six in the Europa League.
For a player who’s not even 18 yet to clock up so many appearances for a big club in a premier division – as well as in European competition – speaks volumes about his quality and potential.
In addition, Hato has previously made his feelings clear about the prospect of a big career move and following in the footsteps of Timber.
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He told ELF Voetbal – as transcribed by The Mirror – in October: “Unfortunately [Timber] was seriously injured in his first Premier League game for Arsenal, but he is still young and has a bright future ahead of him.
“In any case, the move to Arsenal was a wonderful one for him. It is also my dream to one day make such a transfer, but I realise that I still have a very long way to go.”
Arsenal eyeing ‘complete and dominant’ talent Jorrel Hato
Hato is certainly a top talent who could grow into a future star for Arsenal.
At just 17 years of age, the versatile defender is already looking a cut above in the Eredivisie, and a big move beckons.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout sung the reported Gunners target’s praises a year ago, comparing him to Lucas Hernandez and Evan Ndicka.
Kulig deemed him a “complete and dominant centre-back” who is “forceful, quick and powerful”.
Hato is also “known for his good timing, confidence in possession, understanding of the game, and an above-average technical capacity”.
Arsenal could certainly do with bolstering their ranks at left-back amid Oleksandr Zinchenko’s loss of form and Jakub Kiwior struggling out of position.
Admittedly, Hato would probably need a little time to get up to speed in the Premier League as he’s still young and fairly inexperienced in the grand scheme of things.
The likelihood is he’d be a better signing in the summer, as he could then get a full pre-season under his belt at the Emirates Stadium.