Report: Arsenal eager to sign defender who sees Timber as his role model | OneFootball

Arsenal are preparing for a summer of change, and one of their biggest priorities will be strengthening their defence.

Mikel Arteta wants to reshape his backline, with a number of full-backs expected to leave the club in the coming months. That has led to strong interest in Ajax’s Jorrel Hato according to TBRFootball, who say the highly-rated young defender who could be available for around £40 million.

Hato has been on Arsenal’s radar for a while, and for good reason. At just 19, he has already established himself as a key player for Ajax, showing impressive versatility by playing both as a centre-back and a left-back.

A new left-back is becoming a priority for Arsenal, especially with changes expected in that position. Kieran Tierney is set to return to Celtic when his contract expires, while Jakub Kiwior could be on the move if the right offer comes in.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has been a key part of Arteta’s plans, is also attracting interest from clubs across Europe. With Myles Lewis-Skelly likely to move back into midfield, that leaves Arsenal light in a crucial area of the pitch.

Arsenal transfers: Gunners monitor highly-rated Ajax youngster who idols Premier League stars

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is a Premier League legend (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

However, Hato remains the standout target. His ability to play multiple positions, combined with his technical quality, makes him the kind of long-term investment Arsenal are looking for.

The 19-year-old has shared that during his time with Ajax’s U18s, he looked up to Jurrien Timber rather than Virgil Van Dijk.

“Coaches told me that I always needed to look up to Virgil van Dijk, but when I played in the under-18s, I always looked up to Jurrien Timber. When I came into the first team, he was my mentor.

“I love his playing style, his calmness on the ball.”