Arsenal`s season could be considered somewhat disappointing. Mikel Arteta`s team finished ten points behind Liverpool in the Premier League, didn`t progress far in the FA Cup, and with improved finishing, might have reached the Champions League final.
However, despite the negatives, there were positives, including the progress and performances of Jurrien Timber, who performed well in Ben White`s absence. The Dutch defender is arguably one of Arteta`s best signings, and reports suggest Arsenal could be targeting another young player with similar qualities.
Arsenal Transfer News
Before discussing the primary target, it`s worth mentioning other young talents Arsenal have been linked with recently, like Adam Wharton and Konstantinos Karetsas.
Wharton is reportedly valued at around £80m this summer. Although this is a significant fee for a 21-year-old, he has demonstrated his capability at Crystal Palace and was instrumental in their FA Cup success this year.
Karetsas, costing a substantial £38m, is a tougher proposition. Despite impressing in Belgium at just 17, such an investment might be better spent on a player who could contribute to the first team sooner.
While both Wharton and Karetsas are gifted young players, neither is comparable to Timber in the same way as Jorrel Hato. According to Caught Offside, Arsenal is among several clubs showing strong interest in the Ajax star, Jorrel Hato.
The report indicates that Arsenal, along with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United, have already inquired about a potential transfer. However, facing significant competition, Arsenal would need to pay up to €50m (approximately £42m) to secure the player. Securing this transfer could be complex and expensive, but it`s a pursuit Arsenal should prioritize, particularly given Hato`s resemblance to Timber`s profile.
Why Hato Could Be Arsenal`s Next Timber
It might seem bold to suggest a teenager from outside Europe`s top five leagues could evolve into a full-back capable of Timber`s level, who excelled against Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, this comparison is based on several factors.
Firstly, the Eredivisie, while not a top-five league, is just outside, ranked sixth. Notably, Timber also moved to Arsenal from the Netherlands. Furthermore, Timber didn`t just come from the same country; he joined Arsenal directly from Ajax, Hato`s current club.
Both players are Dutch, came through the Ajax academy, and possess the versatility to play multiple positions as required by the manager.
| Hato & Timber`s Positional Versatility | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player/Position | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Hato | |||
| Left-Back | 68 | 3 | 6 |
| Centre-Back | 41 | 1 | 3 |
| Left Midfield | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Timber | |||
| Centre-Back | 170 | 9 | 6 |
| Right-Back | 82 | 4 | 5 |
| Left-Back | 22 | 1 | 1 |
| Defensive Midfield | 2 | 1 | 0 |
For instance, while Timber`s best position is right-back, he has played centre-back and left-back for Arsenal. Similarly, Hato primarily plays left-back but is also comfortable at centre-back as well.
Finally, the comparison isn`t unique to this article; respected analyst Ben Mattinson has called the 19-year-old prospect `Timber 2.0`.
