Arsenal and Liverpool Circle Ajax’s Jorrel Hato – But Price Could Prove a Puzzle

Rising Star in Amsterdam

Jorrel Hato’s name is climbing rapidly up the wishlist of Europe’s elite, and it’s no wonder. At just 19, the Ajax defender is showcasing the kind of maturity and positional intelligence that belies his age, standing tall in Francesco Farioli’s vibrant Ajax side. Comfortable at left-back but equally adept in central defence, Hato’s versatility is precisely the profile that gets Mikel Arteta’s transfer senses tingling.

“Promising Holland international Hato has been on the Gunners’ radar since late 2023 but a move is yet to materialise,” notes The Mirror. That may be due in part to Arsenal’s current centre-back depth, with William Saliba a mainstay and Gabriel Magalhaes recovering from recent hamstring surgery. Jakub Kiwior has stepped in impressively in the Brazilian’s absence, but his long-term future at the Emirates remains uncertain.

Hato, for his part, has already spoken glowingly of Arsenal’s defensive project. “Hato recently spoke on record about his admiration for Jurrien Timber and the way his compatriot has mastered playing multiple defensive roles at the Emirates Stadium.” It’s a remark that underlines both his ambition and readiness for a step up.

Transfer Jigsaw at the Emirates

Arsenal’s plans are, however, delicately poised. Kieran Tierney is expected to return to Celtic on a free, and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s role appears increasingly peripheral. But any firm move for Hato, or even Juventus loanee Dean Huijsen, will likely depend on Kiwior’s situation.

“Kiwior remains hugely valued by Arteta and he is unlikely to be short of interest having previously been courted by several Italian clubs and Marseille,” The Mirror reports. Arteta’s admiration for the Pole is evident, yet with multiple needs across the pitch — striker, midfield reinforcements, a winger, and backup goalkeeper — Arsenal’s summer priorities may lie elsewhere.

New sporting director Andrea Berta also casts a long shadow over business to come. While the club had done considerable groundwork on Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia — once tipped to be Raya’s understudy — Berta’s lack of recent contact with the player’s camp suggests a cooling of interest. “Sources close to the Spanish shot-stopper have indicated there has been no contact from Berta since he started work in north London.”

Liverpool Enter the Frame

Arsenal aren’t alone in their admiration for Hato. Liverpool are also monitoring the Dutch defender, as they cast their net wider under Arne Slot. The Reds are additionally chasing Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, another full-back talent deemed a fit for Slot’s high-octane football.