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Exclusive: Arsenal want to sign ‘fantastic’ defender this summer after his side endure awful season

Exclusive with Graeme Bailey

Arsenal are looking to sign one of the brightest young talents in Europe this summer.

The Gunners signed Jurrien Timber from Ajax last summer in a £40m deal, and now, they could be ready to raid the Dutch giants again.

Indeed, TBR Football understands that Arsenal are keen on another Ajax youngster.

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emira...
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal keen on Ajax defender

Arsenal are ready to make a renewed attempt to land Jorrel Hato this summer, TBR Football understands.

The Gunners have been on Hato’s trail for more than 12-months and looked at a deal in January.

Hato pledged his future to Ajax in March when he signed a new long-term contract, just days after he turned 18.

TBR understands that Arsenal have maintained a strong interest in Hato – who has become a key player for the club this term, starting over 30 games, mainly in central defence but also at left-back.

Hato’s new deal was seen as a reward for his progress which has also seen him become a full international, but Arsenal’s interest has not waned and they are ready to return this summer.

Despite his efforts, Ajax have endured a torrid campaign and they are set to miss out not only on Champions League qualification but European competition altogether as they sit fifth in the Eredivisie after 31 games.

Jorrel Hato could be ideal for Arsenal

Hato may just be 18, but make no mistake about it, this young man is the real deal.

He’s already a key player for Ajax, and he could be perfect for Arsenal.

Described as ‘fantastic’ by Jordan Henderson, this young man has a bright future in the game to say the least.

The defender is brilliant on the ball and he’s a versatile player, capable of playing at centre-back and left-back.

Arsenal have utilised these versatile defenders to great effect in recent times with Ben White and Jakub Kiwior thriving in recent months while playing away from their natural positions, while early signs suggested that Jurrien Timber would also be used in such a way.

Hato looks like he ticks so many boxes in terms of what Arsenal want, and a deal could be on the cards this summer, especially after Ajax have endured such a poor campaign.

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