Will Hato’s ability to play multiple roles make him a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s long-term project at Arsenal?

Jorrel Hato’s future is beginning to take shape outside Amsterdam. At just 19 years old, the young Ajax defender has become one of the most talked-about names in the English transfer market. Teams such as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal have their sights set on him, aware of the talent he has shown since making his debut with the Dutch first team in 2023.

His experience at such a young age, with more than 100 professional matches under his belt, has positioned him as one of the most promising young defenders in European football. And now, his name is beginning to be heard loud and clear in London.

Arsenal have been after him for years. Since he was a 14-year-old, the club has been following him closely, building a relationship based on trust and conviction. Mikel Arteta sees Hato as the ideal player to fill the left side of his defence, with Zinchenko’s departure in mind and Kiwior’s possible departure.

His profile fits perfectly with the system and style that the coach has developed in recent years. Although Chelsea has intensified its efforts and Liverpool has not completely lost interest, the north London club is confident that the work done over the years will allow them to secure a key signing.

Opinion:

What could give Arsenal the edge is precisely the history behind the interest. This is not a sudden move, but rather a constant and patient pursuit. That carries weight when it comes to making decisions. Hato is not just arriving as a defensive reinforcement: he is arriving with the knowledge that his arrival is part of a plan that has been in the works for some time. That could convince him to choose the Emirates as his next home, rather than joining more recent projects or those with less room for immediate growth.

Zinchenko’s departure seems imminent, and Hato is not just a replacement. He has different but complementary characteristics. While Zinchenko contributed to the build-up play, Hato adds security, speed and defensive awareness. In addition, his ability to adapt to both full-back and centre-back roles opens the door for him to be a key player in various formations. Arsenal need depth, but they also need young players with potential. The Dutchman offers both.

Now, will he be the defender who makes his mark in London? He has the maturity and presence of a player with many more years of experience. He has proven this in a demanding environment like Ajax, where there is no room for complacency. Arteta knows that his team needs more solidity in big games, especially in close matches where a defensive error costs too much, and there, Hato could make a difference.

There is also the mental aspect: a player who has been in the spotlight from a very young age needs stability. Arsenal, with its current structure, seems to be better positioned to provide that. Unlike Chelsea, where the project changes frequently, or Liverpool, which has not made a concrete move yet, the Gunners have made it clear that Hato is a priority, not a summer whim.

His signing would be a strong signal: of consistency, of future, of ambition. And if Arsenal manages to secure his signing, it could be taking a quiet but decisive step in the race to return to the top.