Report: Arsenal scout Liverpool target as Ajax defender price tag rises | OneFootball

Liverpool and Arsenal Eye Jorrel Hato: Dutch Prodigy at Centre of Tug-of-War

Hato’s Meteoric Rise Catches Premier League Eyes

When a 19-year-old racks up 40 appearances in a season, delivers nine goal contributions from left-back, and has already earned 19 caps for the Netherlands, people take notice. That’s exactly what’s happening with Jorrel Hato—Ajax’s prodigious talent now firmly in the crosshairs of Liverpool and Arsenal, according to TEAMtalk.

Hato’s versatility is what truly sets him apart. Primarily a centre-back last season, this campaign has seen him maraud up and down the left flank with poise and purpose. That blend of defensive maturity and attacking flair has put Europe’s elite on alert. It’s little surprise that scouts from north London and Merseyside, not to mention Madrid and Milan, have been quietly circling.

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“Liverpool were considering a bid for Hato in the winter transfer window,” TEAMtalk reported. And despite the lack of a formal move, “Liverpool are still interested… with Van Dijk yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.”

Van Dijk’s Future Dictates Liverpool’s Next Move

The Virgil van Dijk-sized cloud continues to loom over Liverpool’s long-term defensive planning. The captain’s contract impasse is unsettling for fans and club officials alike, and it’s clear that contingency plans are being drawn up.

In Hato, Liverpool see not just a young defender—they see a successor. A fellow Dutchman, cut from a similar cloth in terms of reading the game and remaining composed under pressure. While comparisons to Van Dijk are premature, the signs are promising. The Reds’ reluctance to move in January was likely tactical. Summer is where the serious decisions will be made.

Arsenal’s Tactical Interest

Arsenal, meanwhile, are not merely opportunistic. Their defensive fragility at left-back—with Riccardo Calafiori’s ongoing injury issues—has created a pressing need. Mikel Arteta’s system thrives on fluidity and technical defenders who can build from the back. Hato fits the bill.

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“Arsenal have joined the race for the defender,” TEAMtalk revealed, with scouts sent to observe him in recent weeks. Whether that turns into a concrete bid remains to be seen, but their interest is very real—and very timely.

Ajax Play Hardball with Fee Rise

What was once a €30 million valuation is now rising sharply. “Due to increasing competition, Ajax now want €45-50m.” That figure may deter AC Milan, but for clubs in the Premier League and La Liga, it’s viewed as fair market value for a generational defensive talent.

Chelsea and Real Madrid, too, are circling. Los Blancos have Hato on their radar as they keep tabs on Theo Hernandez. Chelsea, in classic fashion, are hoarding scouting reports. But make no mistake—this is shaping into a two-horse race between Arsenal and Liverpool.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the name “Jorrel Hato” might soon hold weight akin to that of a teenage Virgil van Dijk at Groningen. The thought of Arne Slot—who knows Dutch football intimately—moulding Hato into a long-term heir for Van Dijk is genuinely thrilling. There’s a poetic symmetry in one Dutchman passing the baton to another. His stats from left-back—three goals and six assists—show he’s not just solid defensively, but also a progressive threat, something Klopp’s side once prized in their full-backs.

From an Arsenal perspective, the appeal is equally strong. Arteta loves tactically intelligent defenders who can invert and support build-up play. Hato’s ability to play centrally or on the flank adds enormous tactical flexibility. With Kiwior unconvincing and Calafiori struggling with injuries, he could be a game-changer in the Gunners’ title bid.

Yes, €50m is steep for a teenager. But in this market? That’s the going rate for elite potential. Whoever lands Hato won’t just be buying for the present—they’ll be locking down a key position for the next decade.