The summer transfer window is barely a month old, and Arsenal are already being linked with one of the most eyebrow-raising moves of the season. Jorrel Hato, Chelsea’s versatile Dutch defender, has reportedly been offered to the Gunners through intermediaries. It’s the kind of deal that sounds unlikely on paper — until you look at the context.
Arsenal don’t do panic buys. But with William Saliba’s back injury casting a shadow over the start of the new campaign, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta may have reason to pick up the phone.
Why Hato? And Why Now?
According to the Chelsea Chronicle, intermediaries have presented Hato to both Arsenal and Manchester United. Transfer insider Ekrem Konur confirmed the 20-year-old is eager to play Champions League football next season — something Chelsea can’t offer after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign that left them scrapping for a European spot on the final day.
Hato joined Chelsea from Ajax last summer for around £35 million. He arrived with a sterling reputation:
- Over 100 senior appearances for Ajax before turning 20
- One of the youngest captains in Ajax’s history
- Full Netherlands international with seven caps
- Comfortable at left-back and centre-back
His first season at Stamford Bridge, though, was a mixed bag. He made 22 Premier League appearances but started just 12, logging only 1,144 minutes. Chelsea’s own season review admitted he had to overcome early difficulties before finding his feet in the second half of the campaign.
Now, with Marc Cucurella sold to Real Madrid, you’d think Hato would slot straight into the starting eleven. So why are intermediaries shopping him around?
The answer likely comes down to ambition. Hato wants Champions League football. Chelsea finished eighth. Arsenal are reigning Premier League champions and reached last season’s Champions League final.
How Hato Fits Arteta’s Plans
Here’s where things get interesting for Arsenal. William Saliba suffered a back injury during France’s World Cup semifinal against Spain, going down without contact after just 30 minutes. Initial fears pointed to four or five months on the sidelines. Recent reports from L’Equipe suggest a non-surgical recovery plan may be the preferred option, but there’s still uncertainty around his availability for the start of the season.
Arsenal already have Gabriel Magalhaes and Piero Hincapie — whose permanent move from Bayer Leverkusen was confirmed earlier this summer for £45 million — plus Riccardo Calafiori. That’s a strong defensive core. But Arteta has always valued depth and versatility.
Hato’s ability to play left-back and left centre-back in both a back four and a back three makes him an appealing option. His composure on the ball, his pressing, and his crossing ability all fit Arteta’s system.
And let’s not forget — Chelsea and Arsenal have a well-worn transfer corridor. Kai Havertz and Jorginho made the same move. Noni Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer for £48.5 million and played a key role in the title-winning season. Even goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga crossed London.
Could Hato be next?
Don’t Hold Your Breath Just Yet
There’s an important caveat. No formal bid has been made. No negotiations have started. At this stage, intermediaries have simply put Hato’s name on Arsenal’s desk — the same desk that already has a long list of summer targets on it.
Arsenal are also being linked with:
- Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis
- A potential move for Marcus Rashford
- PSG’s Emmanuel Mbemba as a free agent option
- A free agent striker pursuit
With a reported price tag of around £43 million, Hato wouldn’t come cheap either. Arsenal’s budget isn’t unlimited, even after a title win. Arteta and Berta will need to prioritise.
Manchester United represent genuine competition too. Michael Carrick’s side are also in the Champions League and are planning a defensive overhaul, which makes Hato’s profile attractive to Old Trafford as well.
Still, the idea of Hato in an Arsenal shirt isn’t far-fetched. The Gunners have tracked him since 2024, when Fabrizio Romano confirmed he was high on the club’s list. They tried to sign him before Chelsea beat them to it. This might be a second chance they don’t want to waste.
The summer is long. Deals shift quickly. If Saliba’s recovery hits any setbacks — or if Arteta simply wants extra insurance for a squad chasing domestic and European glory — Jorrel Hato could go from a surprising rumour to an inspired signing.
