Report: Agent in London in ‘last few hours’ to discuss €50m transfer to Arsenal

Arsenal are making a fresh push to win the race for a highly-rated wonderkid.

The Gunners look to be moving closer to a deal to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, with developments expected soon following a new wave of talks.

According to Gianluigi Longari, the Gunners are moving to beat Premier League rivals Chelsea to the signing of the 19-year-old defender. Hato has been a long-term target for Arsenal, and the club have intensified their interest in recent days.

Sources close to the deal have confirmed that the player’s agent has been back in London in the past 24 hours, signalling serious progress. Arsenal are keen to finalise terms swiftly as they look to secure one of Europe’s top defensive talents before pre-season begins.

Hato, who has already captained Ajax at a young age and made a significant number of senior appearances, is comfortable at both left-back and centre-back. His versatility, maturity and elite-level potential make him a strong fit for Mikel Arteta’s evolving defence.

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With the summer window now open, Andrea Berta and the Arsenal recruitment team are working quickly to add quality and depth. Hato’s ability to cover multiple positions could be especially valuable, particularly with uncertainty around the futures of players like Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Chelsea have also been monitoring Hato closely, but Arsenal’s consistent interest and direct contact with the player’s camp may have given them the edge.

Previous reports have suggested he will cost in the region of €50million and Arsenal will hope their good relationship with Ajax would lead to a favourable structure of payments on any deal.

Hato’s arrival in defence could allow Myles Lewis-Skelly to be deployed more often in a midfield role, giving Arsenal more flexibility and depth in central areas.

For more on potential Arsenal signings in 2025, keep an eye on our transfer news section, where we track every credible link.

If Hato does make the move to North London, it would represent another bold statement of intent from Arsenal in the market, as they continue to build a young, dynamic squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts next season.