Arsenal are open to strengthening their defence in the summer transfer window but incomings at the back are poised to hinge of respective departures
Arsenal retain an interest in Ajax defender Jorrel Hato ahead of the summer transfer window, though any potential swoop is likely to hinge on the future of Jakub Kiwior. The 25-year-old Pole has recently starred at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s backline in the absence of injured centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, whose season was cut short by a hamstring injury which required surgery 10 days ago. Promising Holland international Hato has been on the Gunners’ radar since late 2023 but a move is yet to materialise and he has since gone from strength to strength in Amsterdam where he is considered an integral player in Francesco Farioli’s swashbuckling side.
The 19-year-old has played left-back all season but he is also equally comfortable as a central defender and his age, potential and versatility is of huge appeal to Arteta. Hato recently spoke on record about his admiration for Jurrien Timber and the way his compatriot has mastered playing multiple defensive roles at the Emirates Stadium.
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Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney is set to return to Celtic on a free transfer at the end of the campaign while the futures of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kiwior are in doubt due to their lack of minutes this term, though it’s still not conclusive the latter will definitely leave the club in the coming months.
Kiwior remains hugely valued by Arteta and he is unlikely to be short of interest having previously been courted by several Italian clubs and Marseille. The prospect of Arsenal strengthening their defensive options is subject to departures as the acquisitions of a striker, central midfielder (likely two), winger and backup goalkeeper are currently of greater priority. Liverpool are also tracking Dutchman Hato alongside their pursuit of Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, who is considered a top target at Anfield. As first reported by The Athletic, Reds and Arsenal both hold an interest in Cherries star Dean Huijsen too, amid ongoing background discussions with his representatives.
However, it’s difficult to envisage the Gunners triggering the Spaniard’s £50million release clause given he would be behind Gabriel and William Saliba in the Emirates pecking order. Competition for Huijsen’s signature is also fierce – his father, Donny, was in London as recently as Friday to meet with various interested parties.
Hato’s Ajax contract runs until June 2028 and does not include a buy-out clause meaning Ajax will be looking to drive a hard bargain.
Having received eye-watering fees for the likes of Antony, Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Mohammed Kudus and Jurrien Timber in recent years gone by, there is little chance of the Eredivisie leaders rolling over in transfer negotiations.
Hato is very much a target championed by Arteta but the influence of newly-appointed sporting director Andrea Berta on Arsenal’s summer transfer dealings cannot be understated. For instance, Joan Garcia – long viewed within the club as the ideal No.2 goalkeeper to David Raya – is one deal Berta seems keen to reconsider.
The Gunners have done plenty of groundwork on the 23-year-old, a player initially recommended by goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana, after they saw two bids rejected by Espanyol last August following Aaron Ramsdale’s move to Southampton.
However, sources close to the Spanish shot-stopper have indicated there has been no contact from Berta since he started work in north London – fuelling the notion they could instead explore alternative options.
Up to 10 clubs have approached Garcia’s representatives including Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen and he will be allowed to leave Espanyol for below his release clause this summer. But he is still likely to cost a decent fee and given he will be second in command to David Raya, maybe Berta feels that cash would be better spent elsewhere. Garcia remains open to joining Arsenal and would be keen to compete with Raya for the No.1 spot at the Emirates, should the opportunity arise.
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