Arsenal eyeing ‘quick and powerful’ left-back likened to Lucas Hernandez

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have been linked with Ajax talent Jorrel Hato in recent days as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defensive ranks.

The Telegraph reported that the Gunners are plotting a move to sign the versatile 17-year-old defender, who has made his Ajax breakthrough this season.

Hato has just 18 months left on his current deal, with Ajax seemingly – and understandably – keen to tie him down on a new long-term contract. 

However, the report notes that the feeling in the Netherlands is that Arsenal are more likely to move for the youngster in the summer, rather than in January.

Arsenal could certainly do with reinforcements at left-back sooner rather than later, as this is now one of their main weaknesses.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been error-prone lately, while Jakub Kiwior – a centre-back by trade – hasn’t done well out of position.

And with Takehiro Tomiyasu now at the Asian Cup, he’s now unavailable for the Gunners for the next few weeks.

Arsenal target Jorrel Hato boasts ‘9/10’ potential

Hato is certainly a top talent. At just 17 years of age, he’s already looking a cut above in the Eredivisie, and a big move beckons.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout sung the reported Arsenal 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”.

Kulig finished by awarding Hato a 9 out of 10 in terms of potential, deeming him capable of becoming “a key player in a top European club.”

All in all, he looks like a good shout for Arsenal. He’d certainly be a good player for the future.

However, Arteta could really do with an established player who can slot into the first team right away. At present, Hato is still young and raw, and may need some time to get up to speed in the Premier League.

This looks more likely as a summer signing, when Ajax have finished the season and should be more eager to sell when they can regroup. Hato can also get a full pre-season at N5 to get up to speed.