Ajax star remains Arsenal’s top summer target in his position | OneFootball

Jorrel Hato remains Arsenal’s top target at left-back, should they decide to make a signing in the position this summer.

DORTMUND, GERMANY: Jorrel Hato of Ajax Amsterdam runs with the ball during the Pre-Season friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and AFC Ajax Amsterdam at Signal Iduna Park on August 06, 2023. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Charles Watts reports that Arsenal’s interest in Jorrel Hato remains, despite his new deal at Ajax, and he’s the club’s top target for a left-sided defensive player.

A move this summer isn’t guaranteed, but Watts suggests he wouldn’t be surprised if the Gunners do make an approach in the upcoming window.

Fabrizio Romano had previously suggested that Arsenal remain ‘absolutely’ keen and interested in the Ajax defender.

Ajax’s Jorrel Hato (C) celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal during the Dutch Eredivisie football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Vitesse Arhem at the Johan-Cruijff ArenA on November 25, 2023 in Amsterdam. (Photo by OLAF KRAAK/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Ajax obviously want to keep the player around, hence their decision to hand him a new contract to 2028.

But Arsenal reportedly believe they’re the frontrunners for his signature. The club have been scouting Hato for months, and they continue to do so.

Ajax’s financial situation could help, with the club missing out on Champions League football this season.

FC Volendam’s Deron Payne (L) fights for the ball with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and FC Volendam at The Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on November 2, 2023. (Photo by OLAF KRAAK/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

The Athletic’s David Ornstein explained in January that Arsenal liked Hato for a winter transfer, but that the player couldn’t move before he was 18. He turned 18 in March.

Hence Arsenal had to wait, giving Ajax enough time to convince the youngster to stick around.

Hato has made 46 appearances this season, racking up well over 4,000 minutes. His club finished fifth in the Eredivisie, putting them in the qualifiers for next season’s Europa League.