Arsenal are now really keen on signing a £40m defender this summer, with a number of full-backs potentially set to exit the Emirates Stadium, according to a report.
Arteta set to reshape his backline
Mikel Arteta has now launched plans to reshape his defence, with the Gunners recently making contact over a move for Dinamo Tbilisi’s Saba Kharebashvili, who is part of a long-term plan at left-back.
Arteta wants to move Myles Lewis-Skelly back into midfield, which means a new left-back could be required, particularly considering Kieran Tierney is set to return to Celtic upon the expiration of his contract.
Andrea Berta is wasting no time in his new Sporting Director role, with a report revealing the Italian could also look at signing Espanyol left-back Omar El Hilali, whose release clause amounts to just £12.5m.
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The Boot Room have now dropped another update on Arsenal’s pursuit of a left-back, revealing they are really keen on signing Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who has previously been valued at £40m.
Hato has been admired by the Gunners for quite some time, and they are still interested in a move for the defender, who has displayed his versatility this season by taking up the role of left-back, having previously featured primarily at centre-back.
Arteta could be a little light on options at left-back in the near future, given that Tierney is set to depart, while clubs have been showing an interest in Zinchenko, and there is also a chance that Jakub Kiwior leaves this summer.
Versatile Hato could be a top signing for Arsenal
Given that Arteta plans to move Lewis-Skelly into midfield, and a number of left-backs are in line to leave Arsenal in the near future, it is clear a new recruit may be needed in that area, and there are plenty of signs Hato could be a top signing.
The Ajax defender has been compared to Timber by football scout Ben Mattinson, given his versatility and “elite potential”.
The 19-year-old has also previously admitted he looked up to Timber, rather than Virgil Van Dijk, during his time with Ajax’s U18s.
“Coaches told me that I always needed to look up to Virgil van Dijk, but when I played in the under-18s, I always looked up to Jurrien Timber.”
“When I came into the first team, he was my mentor.
“I love his playing style, his calmness on the ball.”
|
Statistic |
Average per 90 |
|
Pass completion % |
86.9% (90th percentile) |
|
Tackles |
2.66 (82nd percentile) |
|
Interceptions |
1.33 (87th percentile) |
|
Aerials won |
1.43 (87th percentile) |
Not only that, but the Ajax star ranks very highly on some key metrics over the past year, when compared to other full-backs, indicating he could be the perfect addition for Arsenal at left-back.
