Mikel Arteta - Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are reportedly still considering a move for £40 million-rated Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, despite their existing depth at left-back and the potential impact on rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Mikel Arteta has favoured deploying centre-backs in full-back roles in recent seasons, with Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori all featuring in wide defensive positions. As a result, the Gunners already have a wealth of options at left-back, including Timber, Tomiyasu, Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney, and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Additionally, 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly has emerged as a promising option, impressing enough to earn a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad. However, despite this surplus of talent,TBR Football reports that Arsenal are still keen on signing another left-back.
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Jorrel Hato, a long-time Arsenal target, remains on the club’s radar. The 19-year-old, valued at £40 million by Ajax, started his career as a centre-back but has played primarily at left-back this season. He has already earned five senior caps for the Netherlands and is also attracting interest from Liverpool.
Jorrel Hato
Jorrel Hato (Image credit: Getty Images)
While signing Hato would bolster Arsenal’s defence, it could also have unintended consequences—most notably, limiting Lewis-Skelly’s opportunities for first-team development.
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Arsenal’s pursuit of Hato will likely depend on their ability to offload several current players. Kieran Tierney has already agreed to rejoin Celtic as a free agent this summer, while Jakub Kiwior has been given the green light to leave. Zinchenko is also said to be attracting interest from multiple clubs.
Even if all three depart, Arteta would still have an array of left-back options, including Calafiori, Timber, Tomiyasu, and Lewis-Skelly—along with the potential addition of Jorrel Hato. The Gunners’ decision will hinge on squad restructuring as new sporting director Andrea Berta prepares for his first transfer window in charge.
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