Arsenal and Liverpool in summer race for Ajax wonderkid | OneFootball

Premier League Giants Eye Jorrel Hato in Summer Transfer Battle

Interest Builds Around Ajax Starlet

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly ready to step up their pursuit of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, according to a report from CaughtOffside. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects, attracting serious interest from several of the continent’s elite clubs – including Real Madrid.

Scouts from all four sides have been in attendance at recent Ajax fixtures to monitor the Netherlands international, signalling the start of what could become a hotly contested transfer saga. Hato’s maturity, positional awareness and composure on the ball have placed him firmly on the radar of clubs planning for the long term.

Photo IMAGO

Strategic Needs Across Europe

As CaughtOffside reports, “Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all understood to be preparing transfer moves for Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato this summer.” Each club, however, is entering the race with different motivations.

For Arsenal, Hato had already been “seriously considered” last summer before they opted to pursue instead. With Myles Lewis-Skelly now emerging from the Hale End ranks, it’s “unclear if the Gunners still need him.”

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool’s interest may hold stronger logic. With Andrew Robertson approaching the latter stages of his peak years, the Reds are likely to view Hato as a long-term replacement in a critical role on the left side of defence.

Photo: IMAGO

Chelsea’s transfer policy has heavily leaned into acquiring elite youth talent. The report notes Hato “might feel safe in the knowledge that he’d get playing time” at Stamford Bridge, an important consideration for a player entering a key developmental phase.

European Heavyweights Lurking

Real Madrid’s presence in the race cannot be understated. Their recent track record of recruiting emerging talent – from Jude Bellingham to Eduardo Camavinga – provides them with a proven selling point. Hato could be seen as a successor to Ferland Mendy, with the Spanish giants already preparing for generational transition.

As CaughtOffside suggests, “It will be interesting to see how this saga develops, with Hato having a big decision to make.” One that could shape the next chapter of his rapidly rising career.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal, while depth in youth is emerging internally, the idea of pairing Hato with the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel could future-proof the defence for years to come. The fact that Hato was “seriously considered” before shows there was genuine interest – and perhaps unfinished business.

Liverpool would see this as a logical, perhaps essential, move. With Robertson ageing and no clear long-term heir in place, bringing in a player of Hato’s calibre could be crucial under a new managerial era. The style and structure at Liverpool would likely suit Hato’s technical and positional traits, giving him space to grow in a high-performing environment.

Chelsea’s involvement will naturally raise concern – not because they wouldn’t offer opportunity, but because their revolving door of signings can often stunt player development. From a competitive standpoint, neither Arsenal nor Liverpool will want to see Hato land at Stamford Bridge or Madrid.

If either club is serious about competing on all fronts, this is the type of transfer they must fight for.