Mikel Arteta has identified Jorrel Hato as his top defensive target ahead of the summer, with Ajax reported to be holding out for £86 million.
According to to Give Me Sport, Arsenal could prioritise a move for Jorrel Hato, with Mikel Arteta identifying the teenager as his top defensive target ahead of the summer. The Gunners are keen to recruit a centre-back to cover their current options while keeping the future in mind.
Jorrel Hato is Mikel Arteta’s top target
Arsenal’s recruitment team have done such a fabulous job that they are in the exact position Mikel Arteta envisaged when he began building this team. The project has taken off, and this summer, the Gunners have come into a position of power where they only need to make a few additions to take their squad to the next level.
While a midfielder and a forward remain key to their plans, Arteta wants a top defensive player to shore up his backline. As a result, he might look to bring a new centre-back, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes still lacking the necessary cover. They have Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior as options to play that role. But the duo has excelled in the left-back role, while the former can play both sides.
Arteta has now identified Jorrel Hato as his priority target for the summer. The teenager is coming off a tremendous season with Ajax. While his club has been dismal all season, the defender has been superb, making 46 appearances in all competitions.
Arsenal are wary of Ajax’s asking price, which is £86 million after the teenager signed a new deal until 2028. Edu Gaspar and Arteta will attempt to figure out if the Eredivisie giants are willing to lower their demands, as the price is very much on the higher side for a player with limited experience. However, he does appear to be an excellent option for the Gunners’ future.
Who are Arsenal’s alternate targets?
While the reports have been quiet about some of Arsenal’s defensive targets, there have been quite a few mentions of Hato. Other than him, Fenerbahce’s Ferdi Kadioglu is a key target, with scouts watching him in regular action in the Super Lig.
It does appear that Kadioglu is primarily a left-back but can play either wide zone quite well. However, in the summer, Arsenal might look for a more central player, with Hato fitting their plans for the present and future somewhat perfectly apart from his asking price.
