Jorrel Hato has already made feelings clear on Arsenal transfer amid Mikel Arteta plan

Jorrel Hato has already admitted it would be a "dream" to follow in the footsteps of his former Ajax team-mate Jurrien Timber after his summer switch to Arsenal.

Hato, 17, has been one of Ajax's most consistent players this season after breaking into the first team following Timber's departure and is already beginning to attract interest from Europe's elite.

The talented teenage defender, who been likened to Timber due to his versatility, is capable of playing as a centre-back or a left-back. And after playing every minute of every match for Ajax this season, Hato has emerged as a target for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta maps out plans to reinforce his defence for the long-term.

According to The Telegraph, Arteta has identified Hato as a target just months after raiding Ajax for Timber, who unfortunately suffered a season-ending ACL injury on his Premier League debut.

While any move for Hato is unlikely to materialise this month given Arsenal's Financial Fair Play commitments, the youngster has just 18 months remaining on his current contract and could therefore be attainable in the summer. Ajax are keen to tie him down to a new deal, however.

Speaking earlier this season, Hato talked up Timber following his move to Arsenal and admitted he dreams of following in his footsteps with a move to the Premier League.. He told ELF Voetbal in October: “Unfortunately [Timber] was seriously injured in his first Premier League game for Arsenal, but he is still young and has a bright future ahead of him.

“In any case, the move to Arsenal was a wonderful one for him. It is also my dream to one day make such a transfer, but I realise that I still have a very long way to go.”

While Arsenal are already making plans for the summer transfer window, it