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Ajax desperate to hand Jorrel Hato new contract amid Arsenal interest

Ajax are aware of Arsenal’s interest in the Netherlands international defender Jorrel Hato ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the Evening Standard.

As a result, the Eredivisie club are working to get their 17-year-old academy graduate to agree to a new contract in the coming weeks.

Hato has 16 months left on his current deal, and Ajax want to ensure they are in the driving seat when the Gunners and other suitors come calling when the transfer market reopens this summer.

Arsenal were linked with the teenage sensation ahead of the January transfer window after catching the eyes of manager Mikel Arteta.

Hato can play at left-back and as a left-sided centre-back, and the Gunners hope to do business with the Dutch club again after snapping up 22-year-old Jurrien Timber in a £38 million deal last summer.

However, Ajax are looking to persuade the youngster to stay beyond the summer and also reward him for establishing himself as a key player this term.

Hato has featured in 23 Eredivisie games so far, weighing in with a goal and two assists, while he has an assist in eight appearances across the Europa League and Conference League.

He has captained Ajax and played for his senior national team, and his abilities on the ball and off it have impressed Arsenal.

Other top European clubs are also monitoring his contract situation, and the Dutch club want to strengthen their hand ahead of any bids.

Given that Hato will have just one year left on his contract at the end of the season, Ajax know they risk losing him for a cheap fee once the Gunners and co come calling.

The youngster can also opt to remain with them until the summer of 2025 and leave as a free agent if they refuse to find an agreement with any of his suitors this summer.

They will pull out all the stops to get Hato to sign on the dotted lines, but Arsenal will hope he does not as that would give them a chance to land one of the best teenagers on the planet for a decent fee.

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