Liverpool face Arsenal competition for Dutch wonderkid | OneFootball

Arsenal Step Up Pursuit of Ajax Talent Jorthy Mokio Amid Liverpool Interest

Arsenal have escalated their pursuit of Ajax prodigy Jorthy Mokio, with Liverpool and several other leading Premier League clubs monitoring the 17-year-old closely. The North London side view the teenager as a priority target, signalling a fresh round of competition in the market for elite young talent.

Arsenal sharpen transfer strategy

Following their victory over Nottingham Forest after the international break, Arsenal are already mapping out the next phase of their squad development. Mikel Arteta has spoken publicly about the importance of patience with Bukayo Saka’s recovery and the steady progress of Kai Havertz, but behind the scenes, the focus has shifted towards securing the brightest emerging stars.

Sources close to the situation indicate that Arsenal’s recruitment team have intensified discussions around Mokio, who is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects. With Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all keeping tabs, Arsenal are determined to move decisively.

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Rising star at Ajax

Mokio’s emergence at Ajax has been nothing short of remarkable. Earlier this year, he became the club’s third-youngest goalscorer in history, an achievement that places him in illustrious company at one of football’s greatest academies. His versatility has been widely noted; primarily a midfielder, he has also been deployed at centre-back, demonstrating tactical intelligence and composure far beyond his years.

Respected scout Jacek Kulig described Mokio as “special” in February, a sentiment echoed by several talent spotters who have tracked his progress through Ajax’s ranks. For clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, his profile ticks several boxes: technical skill, maturity in possession, and the potential to adapt to the Premier League’s physical demands.

Liverpool weigh up competition

Liverpool’s presence in the race adds significant intrigue. The Merseyside club have a long-standing interest in integrating younger players into their squad and could see Mokio as a natural fit for their evolving midfield. While Arsenal are believed to be further along in their planning, Liverpool’s reputation for nurturing talent ensures they remain a credible rival in this pursuit.

Ajax, for their part, are under no pressure to sell but are aware of mounting interest from England. Given Mokio’s rapid development, suitors may be inclined to move sooner rather than later, hoping to avoid an inflated bidding war once he fully establishes himself in the Eredivisie.

Strategic move for Arsenal

For Arsenal, securing Mokio would not only bolster their long-term project but also represent a statement of intent. Competing head-to-head with Liverpool and Manchester United for Europe’s best young players reflects the club’s ambition to stay ahead in a fiercely competitive market.

Should a deal be struck, Mokio would follow in the footsteps of other European starlets who made the transition to the Premier League at an early age. His adaptability and proven record in one of the continent’s most prestigious academies suggest he could quickly become a valuable asset at the Emirates.

With the transfer landscape evolving rapidly, Arsenal’s willingness to act decisively may prove the difference in bringing Jorthy Mokio to North London.