Arsenal suffer transfer set-back as Ajax starlet 'agrees new contract'

17-year-old Arsenal target Jorrel Hato has put a spanner in the works for the Gunners after it was revealed that he was set to sign a new four-year contract with the Dutch side Ajax next month.

Hato has been one of the club's most consistent performers since breaking into the first team squad and has begun to gain significant traction from Europe's most elite clubs.

The Telegraph reported last month that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had identified the defender - who can play as both a left-back or centre-back - as a target for the Emirates side as he mapped out his long-term defensive plans.

It was thought Hato could team up with his ex-Ajax colleague Jurrien Timber after he was signed by the Gunners last summer but the latter has made just one red and white appearance due to injury.

However, recent reports from ESPN have now said that the Gunners have been dealt a huge blow as it would appear the defensive starlet is ready to sign a new contract that will see him remain at Ajax until mid-2028. He will, however, only sign the deal when he turns 18 which takes place on 7 March. There are still a few details to iron out between the two parties but there are no reports to suggest that any problems will arise.

This news come a few months after Hato admitted that he too shared a similar dream to Timber in the hopes of making the leap to the Premier League. Speaking to EFL Voetball in October, the 17-year-old said: "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."

Hato still has 18 months left on his current contract with the Amsterdam side. He made his senior debut with the side in January 2023 but it wasn't until the start of the 2023/24 season that his position in the starting line-up was secured.

The club suffered a disastrous start to the season but the starlet has since been instrumental in helping them turn it around and they currently sit fifth in the Eredivisie, 14-points behind second-place Feyenoord who currently occupy the final guaranteed Champions League spot.