Fabrizio Romano has shared what Mikel Arteta and Arsenal really think about rumoured summer target Jorrel Hato.
The Ajax wonderkid has emerged as one of the breakout talents in Europe this season, with Arsenal one of the leading clubs chasing Hato as the Gunners continue to weigh up a summer move for the teenage defender.
With a young centre-back on the agenda for Arsenal, Hato ticks a lot of boxes for what the Gunners are looking for in a defensive summer, with the Dutch youngster also a left-footed player.
And Arteta’s stance on Arsenal signing Hato has now been detailed.
Arsenal and Arteta believe Hato will be a ‘generational talent’
Writing for GiveMeSport, the transfer guru revealed that Arsenal and Arteta have high expectations for Hato, who could go on to become ‘a generational talent’ at his current pace.
Indeed, whether or not Arsenal move for Hato this summer is another story entirely, yet the defender is seemingly high up on the Gunners’ radar as we move closer and closer to the transfer window.
READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every first-team player in the transfer market
Romano said about Arsenal’s interest in Hato and Arteta’s stance on the defender: “Hato recently extended his contract at Ajax, but Arsenal keep monitoring him. They believe he’s going to be a generational talent.
“A top, top centre back for the present and future, in a position which is really difficult to find on the market because left-footed centre backs are not easy to find. Arsenal really like Hato, so let’s see if they will attack the situation in the summer or wait for one more year. But, for sure, he remains one of the players on their list.”
Arsenal have to make sure they don’t lose this transfer race
Hato’s emergence has been one of the few shining lights for Ajax this season, and Arsenal will want to ensure they don’t miss out on signing the teenage defender.
As mentioned by Romano, Hato signing a new contract with Ajax potentially rules out a move this summer, with 2025 a more realistic window for the defender to leave the Dutch giants.
Yet for Arsenal, they have to make sure they don’t lose this race, with Hato the dream backup option in the defence for the Gunners as well as a long-term option to replace the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes.