Ajax confirm new contract for Arsenal-linked Jorrel Hato
The 18-year-old — who was born a few months before the Gunners officially moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2006 — has already established himself as one of the Dutch giants' key players during the 2023-24 campaign.
Hato has scored one goal and set up three more in 37 matches for John van 't Schip's side in all tournaments this season and has worn the armband on three occasions, becoming the youngest captain in Ajax's history.
The teenager has now racked up 52 senior appearances for Ajax since graduating from their youth academy, and he made his Netherlands debut against Gibraltar in a November Euro 2024 qualifier, registering an assist in that 6-0 win.
Amid his rapid rise, Arsenal had apparently taken an interest in signing Hato, having already done business with Ajax for the signature of Jurrien Timber during the summer 2023 window.
However, following reports that the 18-year-old was close to agreeing a new deal with Ajax, the Eredivisie heavyweights have now confirmed that Hato has signed a long-term renewal.
The Netherlands international's new terms run until the summer of 2028, by which time he will be 22 years old, although Ajax are not believed to have inserted a release clause into his terms.
As a result, the Dutch giants can afford to play hardball in negotiations with any interested parties, and it remains to be seen whether Hato's new contract deters Arsenal and other suitors this summer.
The Gunners paid their Eredivisie counterparts £38.5m for Hato's compatriot Timber last summer, and the versatile defender won the Community Shield on his competitive debut before suffering an ACL injury on his first
Read on sportsmole.co.uk
