BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal may have a strategic advantage in securing a transfer deal for Jorrel Hato, potentially delivering a setback to Manchester United’s ambitions.
Arsenal may have a strategic advantage in securing Jorrel Hato from Ajax due to a potential key factor in their favor.
The 18-year-old defender has attracted attention from various European clubs, including Manchester United, following a standout season at Ajax. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Hato was a regular starter, making all but one league appearance and earning the prestigious Talent of the Year award. He also earned his first cap for the Netherlands senior team in November.
Hato’s versatility, capable of playing both centre-back and left-back, has made him a target for top clubs. However, Arsenal could have an edge due to the presence of Jurrien Timber, a former Ajax player who is highly regarded by Hato. Timber is known to be a significant influence on Hato, who has openly expressed admiration for him.
In an interview with The Athletic, Hato mentioned Timber as a role model: “Coaches always told me to look up to Virgil van Dijk, but when I was with the under-18s, I looked up to Jurrien Timber. I played with him for six months before he left, and I learned so much from him. When I joined the first team, he was my mentor. I admire his playing style, his composure on the ball, and his defensive skills.”
Despite the growing interest, Hato has stated he is not in a hurry to leave Ajax. In an earlier interview with AjaxLife, he expressed his commitment to his current club: “No, I’ll just play for Ajax next season. I haven’t finished learning here yet, and I want to win trophies with Ajax. That was my dream when I came here.”
Although the two have not yet played together for the Netherlands due to Timber’s injury during Hato’s senior debut, Arsenal could use Timber’s influence to strengthen their position in the pursuit of Hato.