Arsenal are said to be targeting one of Europe’s top young defenders as they aim to take Mikel Arteta’s squad one step further.
Edu Gaspar’s shortlist this summer is one of great interest, a list that defines how Arsenal have decided they can improve.
The club’s business last summer was a resounding success.
New signings Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and David Raya all improved Arsenal’s XI – the dream scenario for any club.
Had it not been for his untimely injury, the same would have been said for Jurrien Timber, who showed glimpses of his talent on the final day against Everton.
Of course, Arsenal’s outgoing business was also well-executed too.
Many thought the club would regret the day they sold Folarin Balogun to Monaco, something that now looks increasingly unlikely.
That being said, Edu is under pressure to deliver a similar or even better summer, one that can propel Arsenal to win the trophies their football deserves.
And to that end, journalist Charles Watts has provided an insight into those plans in his Daily Briefing column.
Young Ajax star Jorrel Hato is Arsenal’s top defensive target this summer
Charles Watts stated his belief that Arsenal’s top target was still Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, a player they’ve been linked with for some time.
The ‘powerful’ 18-year-old has shown immense potential in the Eredivisie and despite recently signing a new deal, the journalist believes Arsenal could make an approach.
He explained: “I still believe Jorrel Hato remains the top target, should Arsenal look to strengthen the left side of defence.
“The interest in Hato remains, despite him signing a new contract at Ajax & I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they make an attempt to bring him in this summer.”
Jorrel Hato is predominantly a left-sided centre-back but presents a versatile profile similar to former Ajax player Lisandro Martinez.
Now of Manchester United, Mikel Arteta was previously interested in the Argentinian, perhaps explaining this new transfer pursuit.
Arsenal’s left-backs haven’t quite been good enough this season given Jurrien Timber has missed the campaign as mentioned.
Timber was seemingly envisioned to play on the left regularly, an incredibly well rounded player.
But with him absent, both Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko demonstrated their opposing limitations.
All in all, a move for Hato would make a lot of sense, even if he wouldn’t necessarily walk into the eleven or improve Arsenal immediately.
That being said, it has become clear who Arsenal’s first summer signing should be, and he’s already playing in the Premier League.