Arsenal remain interested in Jorrel Hato ahead of the summer transfer window, with a transfer reportedly possible if Jakub Kiwior leaves the club.
Ryan Taylor reports for the Mirror that Arsenal retain an interest in Ajax defender Jorrel Hato ahead of this summer, though a potential move for the player is likely to depend on Jakub Kiwior’s future.
Taylor writes that Arsenal’s transfer priorities lie elsewhere, with the Gunners hoping to add a striker, midfielder, winger, and backup goalkeeper to the squad. So if they’re going to make a move for a defender as well, it would probably depend on Kiwior leaving first.
Mikel Arteta is a big fan of Hato, but the player’s contract at Ajax lasts until 2028 and doesn’t include a release clause. It won’t be an easy deal to do on the cheap.
Hato isn’t even Arsenal’s only defensive option this summer. Taylor adds that Arsenal are interested in Dean Huijsen of Bournemouth, whose transfer fee is more fixed due to his release clause.
David Ornstein reported this week that Arsenal have met with Huijsen’s reps, and that they’re one of the three leading clubs to sign him this summer. But Chelsea and Liverpool are the other two, and Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen.
Again, Ornstein suggested that a move is only likely if Kiwior leaves first. Taylor reports that Kiwior is unlikely to be short of interest, but there’s nothing concrete relating to a departure at this stage.
For the time being, Kiwior, Hato, and Huijsen all have plenty to focus on with their current clubs. Kiwior perhaps most of all, with a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu for a Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday.