Jorrel Hato is reportedly close to signing a new contract with Ajax despite heavy interest from the likes of Arsenal.
Fabrizio Romano on Caught Offside insists Jorrel Hato is close to signing a new contract with Ajax in the coming period. The decision could deal a blow to Arsenal’s hopes, who have been interested in the 17-year-old, although the Gunners could still have a chance.
Jorrel Hato to sign new Ajax deal?
Jorrel Hato has emerged as the next jewel from the Ajax academy as he has made a big step up to the first team this season. The 17-year-old has been a mainstay on the Amsterdam side, making 32 appearances across all seasons, with 22 in the Eredivisie.
Overall, the teenager looks like a promising star for the present and future, as Ajax may feel he could still develop his game in Amsterdam. Hence, they have been adamant about extending his stay, with his current deal set to end in 2025.
During the summer, he would enter the final year of his contract, which could pose a considerable risk for Ajax as well as the future sale value of the 17-year-old. However, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Hato is now close to signing a new deal at the club, which could well be a long-term contract.
The news may come as a blow to some of the clubs keeping close tabs on the teenager’s situation, including Arsenal. Romano confirmed the Gunners held an interest and had scouted Hato on multiple occasions, as the decision to pen a new deal may halt their chase for the defender.
Romano said, “I’ve mentioned interest from Arsenal in Jorrel Hato multiple times because they’ve been scouting him for months, but it’s also the same for other European top clubs.”
“Hato is also set to sign a new deal at Ajax very soon; it’s a matter of final details, and it will include NO release clause, from what I’m told.”
Could Arsenal still sign Hato?
Reports surrounding Arsenal’s interest in Hato began circulating in the January window as Mikel Arteta was looking for a left-sided defender. The 17-year-old is considered in the same mould as Jurrien Timber, as links to the teenager made complete sense from a future standpoint.
Other stories even went on to say Arsenal could sell Jakub Kiwior to fund a move for Hato, although recent performances show the Pole is very much part of Arteta’s long-term plans. For instance, Kiwior is an established senior pro, while Hato is only at the beginning of his career.
Hence, while a new deal might hamper Arsenal’s plans to sign him for a specific valuation, it does not stop them from making the move, even next summer. Ajax could demand significantly from his sale, although Hato should be considered as something other than an established player to come in and usurp one of Arsenal’s current centre-backs.
