Arsenal appear to hold an interest in Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato, and they may make a move for the defender in January, according to reports.

Ajax's defender Jorrel Hato controls the ball next to Fortuna Sittard's Mouhamed Belkheir during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Fortuna Sittard and Ajax at the Fortuna Sittard Stadium in Sittard on September 3, 2023. (Photo by GERRIT VAN KEULEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Ajax’s defender Jorrel Hato controls the ball next to Fortuna Sittard’s Mouhamed Belkheir during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Fortuna Sittard and Ajax at the Fortuna Sittard Stadium in Sittard on September 3, 2023. (Photo by GERRIT VAN KEULEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Last month, Voetbal International journalist Suleyman Ozturk told SoccerNews.nl that the progress of Ajax 17-year-old Jorrel Hato would soon have Arsenal and Manchester City taking a look at him.

That now appears to be the case, with football insider Team News and Ticks hinting that Arsenal are chasing a specific defender in January, and Faisal Khan reporting that the Gunners have an interest in Hato.

The player admitted in October that he’d like to follow in the footsteps of Jurrien Timber, saying: “The move to Arsenal was a wonderful one for him.

“It is also my dream to one day make such a transfer, but I realize that I still have a very long way to go.”

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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND: Facundo Buonanotte of Brighton & Hove Albion is challenged by Jorrel Hato and Kenneth Taylor of Ajax during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Ajax at American Express Community Stadium on October 26, 2023. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND: Facundo Buonanotte of Brighton & Hove Albion is challenged by Jorrel Hato and Kenneth Taylor of Ajax during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Ajax at American Express Community Stadium on October 26, 2023. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Despite his age, Hato is already a starter for Ajax, making 23 appearances and racking up over 2,000 minutes this season.

The defender can play at centre-back or left-back, and he’s even made his international debut for the Netherlands.

Hato has a contract with Ajax until 2025, so he’ll be down to the final 18 months of his deal by the time the January window rolls around.

FC Volendam's Deron Payne (L) fights for the ball with Ajax's Jorrel Hato during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and FC Volendam at The Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on November 2, 2023. (Photo by OLAF KRAAK/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
FC Volendam’s Deron Payne (L) fights for the ball with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and FC Volendam at The Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on November 2, 2023. (Photo by OLAF KRAAK/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Hato has already faced Premier League opposition, playing against Brighton in the Europa League. You won’t find many 17-year-old centre-backs with as much top-level experience as him.

But that’s exactly why Ajax will probably be keen to hold onto him, and a January move from Arsenal may not be straightforward.

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