Arsenal have missed out on one of their top defensive targets this summer, as Jorrel Hato has officially signed a seven-year contract with Chelsea. The Gunners were keen to repeat their successful move for Jurrien Timber in 2023 by raiding Ajax again, but will now have to watch the highly-rated Netherlands international settle in across London at Stamford Bridge.
According to TBR Football, Arsenal had long admired Hato and were ready to move but only after offloading Oleksandr Zinchenko. Chelsea moved faster, offering a long-term deal structured with lower base wages and heavy performance incentives, in line with their youth-first transfer model.
Arsenal accept the loss but know Hato’s talent
Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey told TBR Football that Arsenal are understandably disappointed. The club were confident that Hato would develop into a top-class European defender, and internally there’s a sense of frustration at how the situation unfolded.
“It’s just one of those transfer situations that’s fallen the wrong way for Arsenal,” Bailey said. “With Timber, they weren’t favourites but got it done. This time, they just couldn’t act quickly enough.”
Bailey also confirmed that Hato’s arrival was contingent on Arsenal moving Zinchenko. That didn’t happen in time, and Chelsea took advantage. Despite missing out, Arsenal still rate Hato highly and believe he’ll thrive in the Premier League.
Different tactical views between Chelsea and Arsenal
Interestingly, both clubs saw Hato filling different tactical needs. Chelsea view the 19-year-old primarily as a left-back in Enzo Maresca’s system. At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta considered Hato more of a hybrid option, someone capable of covering both central and wide defensive roles.
Hato has operated in both positions at Ajax, although he’s been used more frequently as a left-back in recent seasons. Chelsea’s preference may align with their broader goal of having two elite players in every position, while Arsenal had a more versatile usage in mind.
Chelsea continue aggressive youth strategy
Hato’s arrival is just the latest move in Chelsea’s ongoing push to lock down young, high-ceiling talents. The club is also exploring a move for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, further underlining their ambition to build for the future.
For Arsenal, the focus will now return to securing defensive depth elsewhere, particularly if Zinchenko or Jakub Kiwior are moved before the window closes. But the club’s inability to act fast enough on Hato represents a missed opportunity in an otherwise active transfer window.
What’s next for Arsenal?
Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta must now revisit alternative options, especially with multiple competitions on the horizon. With Jorrel Hato gone, Arsenal may shift their attention to other young defenders capable of contributing immediately while also being moulded for the future.
As Chelsea welcome another top talent, Arsenal are left to regroup and respond, a reminder that even in proactive windows, timing remains everything.
