According to reports, Arsenal is considering making a move for Ajax’s 17-year-old wonderkid Jorrel Hato in the January transfer window. The club is looking to strengthen its defensive options due to injuries and wants to avoid disrupting the squad’s balance with a short-term signing. Hato, who has had an impressive season so far, is highly rated and has made appearances in both the Eredivisie and the Europa League. He can play as a left-sided centre-back or left-back and would provide cover and competition in the short term while having a long-term future at the club.

Hato’s potential arrival would give Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta a variety of options in the backline and could complement Jurrien Timber, who can play a similar role on the right side of defense. It is believed that Hato’s development in Ajax’s academy, which shares similar philosophies with Arsenal, would aid his adaptation to the club. However, the transfer may not come cheap, and Arsenal’s previous big-spending windows and the need for more experienced players in a potential title figҺt could pose challenges.

While Arsenal is reportedly interested in other defenders such as Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund, the prices involved in those deals may make them infeasible. Ultimately, the decision to pursue Hato or other defensive reinforcements will depend on Arsenal’s evaluation of their needs, budget, and long-term plans.