Liverpool and Arsenal to Battle in the Race for £42m Ajax Defender | OneFootball

Arsenal Enter Race for Ajax’s Jorrel Hato as Competition Intensifies

Arsenal have entered the fray for Ajax’s promising 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato, joining Liverpool and several other top European clubs in pursuit of the highly rated Dutchman. With his impressive performances in both domestic and international competitions, Hato has captured the attention of many, and his future looks set to dominate the summer transfer window.

Hato’s Rise to Prominence

Jorrel Hato has emerged as one of the most exciting young defensive talents in Europe. Having joined Ajax’s academy from Sparta Rotterdam in 2018, Hato quickly rose through the ranks to become a regular in the first team. Despite his age, Hato has already made 19 appearances for the Netherlands national team, showcasing his maturity and versatility. His breakout season in 2023-24 saw him make 46 appearances for Ajax, with a combination of centre-back and left-back roles, scoring three goals and registering six assists.

Photo: IMAGO

His ability to operate in multiple positions has made him a highly valuable player, with his strong technical skills and intelligence on the ball making him ideal for modern football. Hato’s performances have caught the eye of several top clubs, and it appears he is now one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.

Arsenal’s Interest in Hato

Arsenal have reportedly taken a keen interest in Hato, following a few weeks of scouting. TEAMtalk indicates that the Gunners, having dealt with injury issues at left-back with Riccardo Calafiori, see Hato as a potential solution. Despite recent issues with injury, Arsenal remain in the market for defensive reinforcements and Hato’s adaptability to both centre-back and left-back roles makes him an ideal target.

Hato’s technical ability and modern defensive style align with the kind of player Arsenal are looking to bring in to add depth and competition to their squad. Arsenal’s need for defensive reinforcements has been highlighted in the past, and Hato’s versatility and ability to play at a high level make him an excellent addition to their ranks.

Photo: IMAGO

Competition for Hato’s Signature

However, Arsenal will face stiff competition for Hato’s signature. Liverpool were initially linked with the player, and while the Reds did not make a bid for him in the winter transfer window, they are still very much interested in bringing the Dutchman to Anfield. With Virgil van Dijk’s future uncertain, Liverpool see Hato as a potential long-term successor to their current defensive leader.

Beyond Premier League clubs, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and AC Milan are also reportedly in the hunt for Hato. Madrid are known for their interest in top young talents, while Chelsea’s scouting network has been actively monitoring him this season. AC Milan, on the other hand, have shown interest as a potential replacement for Theo Hernandez, but their interest may be complicated by Ajax’s €45-50 million valuation of the player.

As TEAMtalk reports, Ajax initially wanted €30 million for Hato but have now raised the price due to the increasing competition. With top European clubs all vying for his signature, it is clear that the price for Hato is likely to rise further as more clubs enter the bidding.

Arsenal’s Push for Hato

For Arsenal, the decision to pursue Hato could be a decisive step in strengthening their defensive options for the future. Hato’s potential and versatility make him a prime target for a club looking to improve in multiple areas. While Arsenal have made it clear they want to invest wisely in the summer, Hato could be the ideal player to help shore up their defence and add depth to their squad.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The news of the Arsenal’s interest in Jorrel Hato is an exciting prospect. The Dutch defender has shown immense potential, and his versatility in both centre-back and left-back roles would make him an invaluable addition to Arsenal’s squad. Mikel Arteta’s emphasis on building a team that is capable of competing on all fronts means that adding a player like Hato would align perfectly with the club’s long-term vision.

Hato’s technical ability and maturity on the ball are qualities that would help him adapt to the Premier League quickly. His leadership qualities, shown by his captaincy at Ajax, also suggest he could thrive under the pressure of playing for a top club like Arsenal. While the competition is fierce, Arsenal have a strong track record of developing young players and nurturing talent, which could give them the edge in securing Hato’s signature.

However, the reported €45-50 million price tag means that Arsenal will need to be strategic in their negotiations. With other top clubs also in the race, Arsenal must move quickly if they are to avoid being outbid for this exciting young talent. If Arsenal can secure Hato, it could be a brilliant piece of business, both for the present and the future.