Arsenal have returned to the race to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax, joining Chelsea in the running, according to a report.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: Jorrel Hato of Ajax in action during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and Besiktas JK at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 26, 2024. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Fabrizio Romano reports on his YouTube channel that Arsenal remain interested in Jorrel Hato this summer, having also explored a deal for the player in 2024.
Romano claims Arsenal have reopened communications with Hato’s camp in the last week, staying informed on his situation.
Chelsea are also in the mix, and they’ve also made enquiries in recent weeks, but the Gunners evidently aren’t giving up on a potential move.
MUNICH, GERMANY: Jorrel Hato of Netherlands in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3 match between Germany and Netherlands at on October 14, 2024. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB)
Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images for DFB
Both Arsenal and Chelsea were in the mix for then-Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen earlier in the summer, hoping to lure him away before Real Madrid ultimately swooped and signed him.
The suggestion at the time was that Arsenal viewed Huijsen as a market opportunity, and that their pursuit shouldn’t necessarily be interpreted as an indicator that the Gunners are prioritising a centre-back signing this summer.
Yet Hato is a player that Mikel Arteta has a long-term interest in. If he’s available this summer, that’s something the club will look at.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - AUGUST 06: 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 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
19-year-old Hato has a deal with Ajax lasting until 2028, so his current club are under no pressure to sell.
In some ways, it might be better for Arsenal if the Eredivisie side choose to hold onto the teenager, potentially allowing the Gunners to make a move in a future window. That way, they could focus this summer on signings in key positions like centre-forward and on the wings.
But if Ajax decide to sell and Chelsea make a bid, Arsenal will have to bring a move forward or risk missing out altogether.
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