Arsenal left beyond frustrated by Chelsea’s latest transfer move, ‘what a talent…’

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TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Arsenal are frustrated by Chelsea’s capture of Jorrel Hato from Ajax.

After signing Jurrien Timber from Ajax in 2023, Arsenal were looking to repeat their trick with a deal for Jorrel Hato.

However, the 19-year-old has just penned a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge, a superb young talent who should adapt brilliantly to the Premier League.

Chelsea have a clear strategy of signing young players on contracts with a relatively low base wage, but ones which are heavily incentivised.

And whilst Arsenal wanted to sign Hato, they’ll now have to watch the young Netherlands international across in west London.

Exclusive: Arsenal frustrated to miss out on Jorrel Hato to Chelsea

That being said, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands Arsenal fully expect Hato to go on to become one of Europe’s best.

However, they simply didn’t feel as if they could sanction a move before they moved on the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko.

READ MORE: ‘Top-quality’ Arsenal star in line for new contract and pay rise if summer exit doesn’t materialise

Bailey explained: “It’s just one of those transfer situations that’s fallen the wrong way for Arsenal this time around.

“It felt right for Arsenal to go for someone like Zubimendi this summer for example, but with Hato, it’s just not landed for them.

“When it came to Arsenal signing Timber, they were on the right side of the coin, they weren’t favourites to get him but they pulled it off.

“But particularly with Zinchenko still around, it’s just how it’s landed, and they’ve missed out.

“I think Arsenal would have moved for Hato if they managed to offload Zinchenko, and there’s definitely a lot of frustration at the Emirates because they know what a talent Hato is.

“They fully expect him to go on and become a top-class European player.”

Chelsea’s plans for Hato might differ from Mikel Arteta’s

In addition to highlighting Arsenal’s frustration, Bailey also provided an interesting insight into how Chelsea see Hato fitting into Enzo Maresca’s project.

TBR Football understands that Chelsea might still buy Alejandro Garnacho this month to add to their spending.

But when it comes to Hato, Chelsea could predominantly see the Dutch international as a left-back, whereas he might have been a more versatile figure in north London.

Bailey continued: “It’s interesting because I do think Arsenal saw him more as a hybrid player than Chelsea do.”

Hato has played as both a centre-back and left-back for Ajax, but he’s predominantly featured in the latter role in recent seasons.

But in whichever role he does end up playing, Hato should be an excellent addition, “Chelsea want two top-class players in every position and Hato fits exactly what they’re building.”