"That was my dream" - Arsenal suffer transfer blow as top target confirms plans to stay at current club
AFC Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato has expressed his desire to stay at the Eredivisie giants amid interest from Premier League juggernauts Arsenal. The 18-year-old has also caught the attention of Manchester United with his performances but seems content to stay at the Johan Cruijff Arena for the moment.
In a season that saw Ajax finish in a dismal fifth position in the league, Hato was one of the shining lights for the club. The young defender made 46 appearances across all competitions in the 2023-24 campaign, bagging a goal and three assists and helping his side keep six clean sheets.
Unsurprisingly, the Gunners and Red Devils are interested in making a move for Hato. However, the youngster has been quick to shut any rumors of a potential move away from the club.
In an interview with Ajax's social media team about his future, he said:
"I’ll just play for Ajax next season. I haven’t finished learning here yet. And I want to win prizes with Ajax. That was my dream when I came here."
This statement is definitely set to have a huge impact on Arsenal's transfer strategies in the summer. With Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Jakub Kiwior linked with moves away from the Emirates, the Gunners were keen on bringing a left-sided defender into the squad.
Manager Mikel Arteta is also believed to have other options for the left-back role on his transfer wishlist. Wolverhampton Wanderers wingback Rayan Ait-Nouri and Girona's Miguel Gutierrez have reportedly been on Arsenal's radar for months.
Sporting director Edu will likely be looking to pivot towards one of these full-backs, and restructuring his plans for the upcoming transfer window.
Why are Arsenal and Manchester United so keen on Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato?
Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato has been a long-term subject of interest from top Premier League sides like Arsenal and Manchester United. Over the course of the 2023-24 campaign, he established himself as one of the best defensive prospects in world football.
Left-footed by nature, Hato has been deployed as a left-sided centre-back, as well as a left-back, and has performed admirably in both roles. His explosive pace, tough-tackling nature, passing vision, aerial prowess, footballing IQ and on-ball ability are said to be some of his best attributes.
Alongside his impressive abilities, Hato has also proven to be a leader in the youthful Ajax squad. In an Eredivisie fixture against Almere City FC in November 2023, he was handed the armband when Steven Bergwijn was substituted in the 67th minute.
The defender became the youngest captain (17 years and 282 days) in Ajax history, taking the record from current Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt (18 years and 347 days). He also captained Ajax in a few other games including their only Europa League victory this season, a 3-1 triumph against Greek side AEK Athens.