Arsenal are in a strong position to make a move for Jorrel Hato ahead of Chelsea or Liverpool, with Ajax demanding at least €50 million.

According to Team Talk, Arsenal are seemingly well-placed to sign Jorrel Hato in the summer, with the north Londoners planning on moving ahead in the race. The Dutch teenage defender has had plenty of admirers including Premier League giants Chelsa and Liverpool, as Mikel Arteta’s side are angling to beat those rivals.

Arsenal are in the market primarily for attacking reinforcements, as Mikel Arteta targets a striker and a left-winger to improve his front line. However, it might be another window where the manager would like to sign another left-sided defender, as a few departures in that department are expected in the current window.

There are enquiries for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior, with one or both of those defenders expected to depart the club. Those outgoings potentially leave room for a new defender on that side who can play in versatile positions as well as offer a long-term solution to Arteta’s plans.

Hence the idea of Jorrel Hato appeals to Arteta and Arsenal, with their interest relevant since the end of the season. The Dutch teenage defender has been brilliant for Ajax at a very young age, as he has already shown plenty of promise playing centrally as well as a left-back.

He certainly fits into Arteta’s mould of a defender well, as the Spanish manager might make further tweaks to his system that could see Myles Lewis-Skelly used as a midfielder for most parts. Ajax wants €50 million for the defender and unwilling to soften their stance on the asking price which is due to the increased competition from the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.

Arsenal are optimistic of beating the competition for Jorrel Hato

Liverpool were one of those eager to approach, and that could still be the case ahead of a crucial period in the window. The Merseysiders are focused on improving their attacking setup as well as bringing in defenders. However, they are deep in talks to sign Milos Kerkez for the left0-back slot, while key left0sided centre-back Virgil van Dijk signed a new deal, which will cast doubts on the pursuit for the €50m-rated Dutch wonderkid.

Chelsea held talks earlier for the defender, but they are now busy with the Club World Cup. The Blues have seemingly indicated that they might restart conversations for the €50m-rated Dutch wonderkid once the tournament ends, which potentially gives the likes of Arsenal a headstart to sign the defender for Arteta’s team.