- 43 minutes ago
EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal step up Jorrel Hato pursuit with meeting scheduled
Steve Kay
- Updated: 23 Jun 2025 13:36 CDT
- 4 min read
Exclusive
FootballTransfers can reveal that Arsenal are accelerating their move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.
We are told that talks are scheduled for this week between club officials and the player’s representatives as the Gunners look to wrap up one of the most impressive defensive signings of the summer.
Sources have confirmed to FootballTransfers that positive dialogue has already taken place, and a face-to-face meeting is expected to take place on Tuesday, where Arsenal will present a long-term contract offer for the Dutch international.
Current ETV
Jorrel Hato
D (L)
Ajax
Jorrel Hato
D (L)
Ajax
ETV Range
€41.6M - €50.8M
Arsenal remain keen to avoid a bidding war for the Ajax star, who is valued at around €50 million. Hence why this week's negotiations will be pivotal in determining whether or not the Dutchman plays his football at the Emirates next season.
Still just 19, Hato has already racked up over 100 senior appearances for Ajax and is seen as one of the brightest young defenders in Europe. Comfortable as both a centre-back and a left-back, his versatility has made him a standout target.
Arsenal favourites to sign Hato
Mikel Arteta is eager to reinforce the left side of his defence following the departure of Kieran Tierney, and with the potential exit of Oleksandr Zinchenko also in mind. As a result, Hato is now viewed as a major target.
Hato has also broken into the Dutch national team, earning praise for his composure, physicality, and tactical intelligence. Arsenal have been tracking Hato for over two years, and this summer could finally mark the end of a long-running pursuit.
Although Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool - as revealed on the Transfers Podcast last week - are monitoring the situation, Arsenal are currently in thought to be pole position, with Tuesday’s meeting likely to be decisive.
The player is believed to see Arsenal as the ideal next step in his development, particularly under a manager like Arteta, who has a proven track record of developing young, dynamic defenders.
With pre-season on the horizon, the Gunners want to have Hato in place well before August. If a deal can be struck, the Dutchman would join a growing list of young stars reshaping the future at the Emirates.
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