Arsenal and Liverpool Monitor Ajax Star Ahead of Summer Window | OneFootball

Arsenal and Liverpool Circle Ajax’s Jorrel Hato – But Price Could Prove a Puzzle

Rising Star in Amsterdam

Jorrel Hato’s name is climbing rapidly up the wishlist of Europe’s elite, and it’s no wonder. At just 19, the Ajax defender is showcasing the kind of maturity and positional intelligence that belies his age, standing tall in Francesco Farioli’s vibrant Ajax side. Comfortable at left-back but equally adept in central defence, Hato’s versatility is precisely the profile that gets Mikel Arteta’s transfer senses tingling.

“Promising Holland international Hato has been on the Gunners’ radar since late 2023 but a move is yet to materialise,” notes The Mirror. That may be due in part to Arsenal’s current centre-back depth, with William Saliba a mainstay and Gabriel Magalhaes recovering from recent hamstring surgery. Jakub Kiwior has stepped in impressively in the Brazilian’s absence, but his long-term future at the Emirates remains uncertain.

Hato, for his part, has already spoken glowingly of Arsenal’s defensive project. “Hato recently spoke on record about his admiration for Jurrien Timber and the way his compatriot has mastered playing multiple defensive roles at the Emirates Stadium.” It’s a remark that underlines both his ambition and readiness for a step up.

Transfer Jigsaw at the Emirates

Arsenal’s plans are, however, delicately poised. Kieran Tierney is expected to return to Celtic on a free, and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s role appears increasingly peripheral. But any firm move for Hato, or even Juventus loanee Dean Huijsen, will likely depend on Kiwior’s situation.

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“Kiwior remains hugely valued by Arteta and he is unlikely to be short of interest having previously been courted by several Italian clubs and Marseille,” The Mirror reports. Arteta’s admiration for the Pole is evident, yet with multiple needs across the pitch — striker, midfield reinforcements, a winger, and backup goalkeeper — Arsenal’s summer priorities may lie elsewhere.

New sporting director Andrea Berta also casts a long shadow over business to come. While the club had done considerable groundwork on Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia — once tipped to be Raya’s understudy — Berta’s lack of recent contact with the player’s camp suggests a cooling of interest. “Sources close to the Spanish shot-stopper have indicated there has been no contact from Berta since he started work in north London.”

Liverpool Enter the Frame

Arsenal aren’t alone in their admiration for Hato. Liverpool are also monitoring the Dutch defender, as they cast their net wider under Arne Slot. The Reds are additionally chasing Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, another full-back talent deemed a fit for Slot’s high-octane football.

“Liverpool are also tracking Dutchman Hato alongside their pursuit of Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez,” reveals The Mirror, while both clubs also maintain interest in Huijsen. With his father, Donny, spotted in London for meetings, the battle for the Juventus youngster may heat up before summer fully arrives.

Competition is fierce, and financials are a key battleground. Hato’s contract at Ajax runs until June 2028 and “does not include a buy-out clause meaning Ajax will be looking to drive a hard bargain.” Given their track record of lucrative sales — from Antony to Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez — the Eredivisie leaders are well-versed in maximising value.

Pathway or Logjam?

There’s little doubt Hato has the tools to thrive in the Premier League, but one wonders if Arsenal’s interest is realistic unless they shift personnel. “It’s difficult to envisage the Gunners triggering the Spaniard’s £50million release clause given he would be behind Gabriel and William Saliba in the Emirates pecking order.”

With such a hefty fee and fierce competition for places, Hato may see Liverpool as a more accessible route to Premier League minutes — particularly as Arne Slot will look to inject fresh energy and tactical flexibility into his squad.

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From a Liverpool point of view, the prospect of signing Jorrel Hato is mouth-watering. At 19, he’s already clocked regular minutes in a top-tier European league, has positional intelligence, and can fill multiple defensive roles. That’s the type of long-term profile that Liverpool have excelled in developing — just look at the evolution of Trent or Gomez in past years.

Arne Slot’s familiarity with the Eredivisie could play a decisive role here. He knows the demands of Dutch football and would understand how to integrate Hato into the system without delay. And let’s be honest — Kerkez might be the more pressing need if Robertson is to be gradually phased, but if we can land both, it sends a statement.

The real concern is the price. Ajax are masters of the transfer poker face. “There is little chance of the Eredivisie leaders rolling over in transfer negotiations,” and we all know how high they drove fees for Antony, Kudus, and de Ligt. Still, with no buy-out clause, a well-structured deal could get it over the line.

If Liverpool can outmanoeuvre Arsenal for Hato’s signature, fans will rightly be buzzing. He’s a future starter and potentially a transformational player in both defence and build-up play. Let’s just hope FSG back Slot to make the first big swing.