Liverpool are having a remarkable summer transfer window, one Arsenal perhaps feared would happen.
The Reds beat the Gunners to the Premier League title last season by ten points, and are now using their status as champions of England to strengthen themselves even more.
Liverpool have already signed Florian Wirtz in a £116m move from Bayer Leverkusen – breaking the British transfer record – while also bringing Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong to Anfield.
Now, Richard Hughes – Director of Football at Liverpool – is optimistic over a deal for Arsenal target Jorrel Hato.
Liverpool expect Jorrel Hato to join
AS in Spain now state that Liverpool are planning to submit a bid for Real Madrid No.11 Rodrygo – but also make an interesting claim about the Netherlands international in their story.
The Spanish news outlet claim that Liverpool expect Hato to move to Merseyside this summer as Hughes targets a new central defender, amid fears Ibrahima Konate will move to Real Madrid – the Frenchman is currently refusing to sign a new contract, with less than 12 months remaining on his current terms.
TBR Football understand Arsenal also like Hato and have held talks with Ajax over a deal for the 19-year-old.
The teenager – who appeared for the Oranje at the European U21 Championship this summer – already boasts 111 senior appearances for Ajax and has played six games for the Netherlands as well.
How much Ajax want for Jorrel Hato
TBR Football understand Ajax want £40m to sell Hato this summer, as he still has three years remaining on his contract.
Arsenal, as aforesaid, are keen, although an interesting development has occurred which does support the suggestion from AS that the Dutchman could be heading to Anfield.
The Gunners are close to signing a different defender as Cristhian Mosquera nears a £17m move from Valencia, and the Spaniard is expected to be a backup option due to the formidable pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
Therefore, it remains to be seen if Arsenal continue to push for another defender in Hato, although the Ajax wonderkid – who has even captained the Dutch giants despite his age – can also play as a left-back, which may appeal to Mikel Arteta.