Arsenal Set to Hijack Chelsea’s Move for €50m Defender | OneFootball

Arsenal Make Major Strides in Pursuit of Ajax Starlet Jorrel Hato

Arsenal have taken the initiative in the race to sign Ajax’s highly rated defender Jorrel Hato, capitalising on Chelsea’s current focus on the Club World Cup. According to TEAMtalk, the Gunners have moved swiftly in recent days, stepping up long-standing discussions with Hato’s representatives.

“Mikel Arteta’s side have held very positive talks with Hato’s representatives in these last days. However, it must be said that contacts between the parties have been ongoing for the past two years, which is why personal terms are not seen as a problem.”

With Chelsea momentarily distracted by international commitments, Arsenal are exploiting the pause in negotiations to push forward. Liverpool and Newcastle remain interested, but neither has acted with the same intent.

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Contract Terms Progress as Arsenal Make Their Case

A six-year contract has been discussed, and the 18-year-old Dutch international is reportedly open to Arsenal’s proposal. His admiration for both clubs’ projects remains, but the Emirates side’s proactive approach could prove decisive.

Arsenal’s consistent communication, stretching back two years, may offer a layer of trust and familiarity that Chelsea cannot currently replicate, particularly during their Club World Cup distraction. It is this detail that might tip the balance.

Ajax Stand Firm on Valuation as Demand Grows

While the Gunners have made inroads on the personal side, they must still contend with Ajax’s demands. The Dutch side are holding firm on their €50 million valuation and have no intention of offering discounts despite the growing competition.

Hato’s form during the 2024/25 campaign has warranted such a stance. Operating primarily at left-back, he registered three goals and six assists across 50 appearances, a return that has turned heads across Europe. Yet many scouts believe his long-term future lies in central defence, where his maturity and awareness can truly shine.

Leadership and Professionalism Highlight Hato’s Maturity

Hato’s technical ability is only part of the story. He was made Ajax’s youngest-ever captain before Jordan Henderson’s arrival, a reflection of his discipline and presence both on and off the pitch.

John van ’t Schip, Ajax’s former interim coach, was full of praise:

“[He’s] special in the sense that he has been able to stand his ground for so long and that he continues to reach such a high level.”

“We don’t have to do a lot because he is an exemplary professional… Many should see him as an example, especially the players in the youth academy.”

That maturity makes Hato a rare prospect, a teenager with both tactical potential and established leadership qualities.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This feels like the kind of recruitment we should be doing more often. Jorrel Hato isn’t just a top young talent, he’s a player with serious presence, intelligence, and clear room to grow within Arteta’s system.

At just 18, he’s already shown that he can thrive under pressure, and you don’t wear the captain’s armband at Ajax unless you’ve got something special about you. He can operate at left-back now, but there’s every indication that he’s a future central defensive leader, someone who could eventually replace Gabriel or rotate with Saliba at the highest level.

Chelsea’s delay is our chance to act. We’ve seen how drawn-out transfer sagas can cost us. This time, we’re ahead, personal terms aren’t an issue, and we’ve been building this relationship for two years. For €50 million, it’s an investment worth making. The potential resale value and long-term leadership Hato offers is the kind of business Arsenal fans have come to expect under Edu and Arteta.

If we get this one over the line, it could be a defining moment of the summer window.