Arsenal face transfer THREAT as Man Utd join race for Dutch wonderkid

Cameron Smith

• 20 May 2024 16:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race to sign Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato as they look to sign a new left-back this summer.

Hato, 18, has emerged as one of the Netherlands’ most promising youngsters after breaking into the Ajax senior team this season and he has been tipped for a big-money summer move.

The teenager, who can play at centre-back or left-back, recently signed a new contract at Ajax that runs until 2028, but talk of a summer exit remains rife.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

Arsenal have been interested in signing Hato for several months and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently stated that Mikel Arteta’s side remain keen on completing a deal for the 18-year-old, despite Jurrien Timber’s return to fitness.

Romano posted on X: “Arsenal keep monitoring Ajax young centre back Jorrel Hato as one of the best talents in Europe in his position.

“He’s already been scouted for months and Arsenal keep following him. Hato signed [a] new deal until 2028 at Ajax recently, Arsenal remain interested.”

READ MORE: Romano reveals Man Utd transfer ‘100% approved’ as Osimhen rumours grow

Man Utd want Jorrel Hato

While Arsenal appear in pole position to sign Hato, given their long-standing interest in the player, Man Utd are also interested in pursuing the Dutchman.

That is according to HITC’s Graeme Bailey, who has revealed the Red Devils scouted Hato during Ajax’s final Eredivisie game of the season against Almere City.

Furthermore, Ajax’s failure to qualify for European competition means a summer departure is a possibility, despite his new contract.

However, this isn't necessarily good news for Man Utd as they face the prospect of no European football either unless they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

As per HITC, Man Utd regard Marvin Bard, Bradley Locko, Rayat Ait-Nouri and Juan Miranda as alternatives to Hato as they pursue a new left-back.