Journalist says Arsenal ‘seriously explored’ signing ‘fantastic’ player, but it won’t happen

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Arsenal are in the market for a new left-sided defender.

The Gunners appear to be closing in on a move for Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, but, interestingly, he wasn’t the north London club’s first-choice target in this position by the sound of things.

Indeed, Ajax’s Jorrel Hato is a player who has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates as of late, and speaking on the London is Blue Podcast, Ben Jacobs has been discussing the north London club’s interest in Hato.

Jacobs says that Hato was considered a big target heading into the summer and Arsenal seriously explored doing a deal, but, unfortunately, they haven’t been able to convince Hato to leave Ajax at this point.

Arsenal seriously explored Jorrel Hato deal

Jacobs shared what he knows about the ‘fantastic’ defender and Arsenal’s interest.

“With a young full-back, Milos Kerkez is still on the radar and Manchester United and Arsenal are considering him as well.

“They really like Jorrel Hato as well who was a big, big Arsenal target, but he’s expected to stay at Ajax.

“I think Chelsea realise that there’s a very low chance of succeeding there because of the player’s preference, whereas Arsenal seriously explored that deal, but I do think he won’t be going anywhere this summer.”

Hato making a smart decision

As frustrating as it may be for Arsenal supporters, it has to be said that Hato is making a wise move here.

At the age of just 18, the most important thing for Hato at the moment is his personal development, and he’s at the perfect club in the shape of Ajax.

Hato is very comfortable and happy in his home country, and he’s getting plenty of gametime at the moment in Amsterdam.

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee he would be afforded the same sort of gametime at Arsenal, and while that next step to a bigger league is inevitable, Hato shouldn’t make that jump before he’s ready and jeopardise his own development.

Who knows? Perhaps Arsenal could go back in for Hato in a year or two when he’s ready to make a move.