Liverpool under THREAT by Arsenal for €50m-rated wonderkid | OneFootball

Liverpool have got their summer transfer window off to a great start. Armin Pecsi, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz have already come on board and plans are imminent to add Milos Kerez.

But there are more signings in the pipeline.

We should see a new striker arrive this summer with Darwin Nunez’s future under intense scrutiny.

And Liverpool’s defensive options are also due a makeover. The Reds have lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid while uncertainty surrounds left-backs Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson.

Furthermore, Liverpool appear close to selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen - meaning the club will be one player light at centre-back.

If Ibrahima Konate is also sold - owing to his contract standoff - then sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot will need another player in the position.

Liverpool's interest in Jorrel Hato

It was reported by Duncan Castles last week on The Transfers Podcast that Liverpool were in the running for Ajax star Jorrel Hato.

With the 19-year-old more than capable of playing left-back as well as centre-back, he would provide cover and competition in two positions. And given the Dutchman’s age, he could eventually be groomed to takeover long-term from Virgil van Dijk.

It’s a transfer that would make sense for Liverpool - but the latest reports suggest the Reds’ interest has hit a roadblock. That’s because a new report in Football Transfers states that Arsenal are now in the driving seat to land Hato.

The €50m-rated defender is scheduled for talks with the Gunners this week, with the Premier League runners-up seeking a solution to a longstanding problem at left-back.

© IMAGO - Jorrel Hato Liverpool

Hato to Arsenal moves closer

“Talks are scheduled for this week between club officials and the player’s representatives as the Gunners look to wrap up one of the most impressive defensive signings of the summer,” the report states.

“The player is believed to see Arsenal as the ideal next step in his development, particularly under a manager like Arteta, who has a proven track record of developing young, dynamic defenders.”

Jorrel Hato - one of the biggest defensive prospects around

Hato is seen as one of the biggest defensive prospects in the European game and has already made more than 100 first-team appearances for the Amsterdam giants.

Last season Hato played 50 times in total for Ajax - scoring three goals and adding six assists. He is also a fully-fledged Dutch international - winning 10 caps.

Ajax have got Hato contracted until 2028, meaning they are reasonably well protected from a transfer fee perspective.

Liverpool may have to look elsewhere for added defensive reinforcements if the Gunners manage to get a deal agreed with the young Dutchman.