Arsenal suffer early transfer setback after Arteta target 'agrees new contract'

16 February 2024 , 02:00

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Jorrel Hato is set to sign a new deal at Ajax (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal target Jorrel Hato is set to sign a new four-year contract at Ajax next month.

Hato, 17, has been one of Ajax's most consistent performers after breaking into the first team and he is already beginning to gain interest from some of Europe's elite. The defender, who has started in every match for Ajax this season, is capable of playing as a centre-back or a left-back.

The Telegraph reported in early January that Mikel Arteta has identified Hato as a target for Arsenal as the Spaniard maps out his defensive plans in the long-term. The Gunners signed Hato's former team-mate Jurrien Timber from Ajax last summer, but he has been restricted to just one appearance due to injury.

But now, Arsenal have been dealt a huge blow in their hopes of signing Hato. According to ESPN, Hato has agreed a new contract until mid-2028 with Ajax, but he will only sign the deal once he turns 18, which on March 7. Ajax and Hato still have to agree on a few details, but no problems are expected on that regard.

Hato, who has 18 months left on his current deal in Amsterdam, made his senior Ajax debut in January 2023 but didn't cement his place in the side until the start of this season. He has been an instrumental figure in Ajax's up-turn after a disastrous start, which saw them win one from their opening seven matches.

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Ajax have turned it around and currently sit fifth in the Erevidisie table, although they are still a hefty 14 points behind second-place Feyenoord in the final guaranteed Champions League place. John van't Schip's side face Nec in their next league fixture after Thursday's Europa Conference League tie against Bodo/Glimt.

Jorrel Hato has impressed for Ajax this season (Getty Images)

As for Hato, he is now expected to commit his future to Ajax, despite admitting his dreams to follow in Timber's footsteps and move to the Premier League. He told ELF Voetbal in October: "Unfortunately [Timber] was seriously injured in his first Premier League game for Arsenal, but he is still young and has a bright future ahead of him.

"In any case, the move to Arsenal was a wonderful one for him. It is also my dream to one day make such a transfer, but I realise that I still have a very long way to go."

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Kieran King