Arsenal Set to Beat Chelsea to £30m Signing of Ajax Starlet Jorrel Hato

Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to sign Jorrel Hato, overtaking Chelsea in the pursuit of the highly rated Ajax defender.

The 19-year-old has been on the radar of several top European clubs after a standout season in the Eredivisie, and Arsenal now look ready to make a decisive move.

Hato made 31 league appearances for Ajax during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring twice and providing six assists from defence. His versatility has been a major asset, having featured primarily at left-back but also impressing as a centre-back when required. His maturity, tactical awareness, and ability to progress the ball from deep have made him one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.

The teenager has already made over 100 senior appearances for Ajax and played a key role in helping the Dutch giants finish second in the league, securing Champions League qualification. With his contract set to run until June 2028, Ajax are expected to demand a fee in the region of £30 million.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are said to be long-time admirers of Hato, who reportedly looks up to Jurrien Timber—his compatriot and former Ajax teammate who joined Arsenal last summer.

While Chelsea had also expressed strong interest, Arsenal’s project and pathway for young talent could prove decisive. Talks are understood to be advancing quickly as the Gunners look to secure one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects.