Arsenal 'monitoring' emerging Dutch talent as academy graduate attracts interest

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home by Aston Villa last weekend in a dent to their hopes of winning the Premier League this season. The Gunners will be eager to bounce back as soon as they can do as they battle it out with Manchester City and Liverpool. 

Mikel Arteta’s side fell just short last year and will be hoping to avoid a repeat of that in this campaign. Here is a look at some of the latest transfer news and rumours coming out of the club right now…

Defender on radar

Arsenal are keeping tabs on the development of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. The 18-year-old, who is a Holland international with a single cap under his belt so far in his career, has been with his current club since joining them from Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam back in 2018. 

He has broken into their first-team over recent times and they could face a battle to keep hold of him. Reporter Charles Watts has written in CaughtOffside: “Arteta definitely has a decision to make when it comes to Zinchenko in the summer. Arsenal have clear priorities in the summer transfer market and they are higher up the pitch than in defence, but I wouldn’t rule out a new left-back arriving.

“Whether that be a specialised left-back, or a player who can operate both as a full-back or as a centre-back remains to be seen. Arsenal have been monitoring Jorrel Hato at Ajax for example and it’s understandable to see why a player of his versatility and potential could be appealing.”

Academy graduate eyed

Arsenal academy Chuba Akpom could be on his way back to England in the next transfer from Ajax. The striker moved to Holland last year from Middlesbrough in the Championship. 

He has since scored 13 goals in 31 matches but is being linked with an exit already. According to AllNigerianSoccer, he is on the radar of Nottingham Forest and Fulham. 

Akpom played 12 times for the Gunners as a teenager before loan spells away at Brentford, Coventry City, Hull City and Brighton and Hove Albion to get some experience.