Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta holds a “serious desire” for the Gunners to sign one player, with sporting director Andrea Berta and the recruitment team responding by making contact.
Arsenal target new full-back with players set to leave
Kieran Tierney is confirmed to be joining Celtic after his contract with Arsenal expires past June 30th, while Berta is believed to have transfer-listed fellow left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Arsenal: £200k-p/w star holds exit talks with Arteta very likely to lose him
His departure would give the Gunners boss a major headache.
ByEmilio GalantiniApr 15, 2025
Lazio loanee Nuno Tavares is also very likely to depart Arsenal on a permanent basis this summer, while uncertainty still surrounds the future of defender Jakub Kiwior despite his more regular involvement recently.
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
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Bournemouth (home)
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Liverpool (away)
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Newcastle United (home)
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All of this means Arsenal are in the market for a new full-back option, according to GiveMeSport, as Arteta seeks more competition for first-choice left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Both Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber can play on that side when required, but it is believed they still wish to acquire another option for the left-flank to provide more balance and dynamism.
In terms of named targets, Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, who’s dazzled at full-back under Hansi Flick at the Camp Nou this season, is reported to be a name under firm consideration at the Emirates.
Reports in Spain earlier this week stated that Arsenal are prepared to offer over £60 million for Kounde, and given Barca’s financial situation, the Catalans may be forced to consider any significant bids.
The France international could be a big ask, though, considering he takes home £223,000-per-week in salary and Arsenal’s wage bill is already pretty high. An equally impressive alternative, and one who Arteta is in love with, is Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.
He has impressed yet again for the Eredivisie’s champions elect this campaign, starring at left-back over 45 appearances in all competitions, and he’s still just 19-years-old.
Arsenal’s have been eyeing Hato since 2023, and journalist Graeme Bailey recently reported that the Dutchman has had admirers in north London since he was 16.
Arsenal make contact with Jorrel Hato amid "serious" Mikel Arteta wish
As per TEAMtalk, that interest has remained, and Arsenal are in contact with Hato’s representatives as they look to beat Liverpool to his signature.
The teenager’s price tag stands at around £40 million, with TT making it clear that Arteta has a “serious desire” to work with Hato and is a “huge fan” of the defender. However, Arne Slot’s side do pose a serious threat, as it is reported they’ve now made an approach which has worried Arsenal.
Liverpool aren’t Arsenal’s only contenders either, as both Real Madrid and Barca are also admirers of Hato. Going by Football Analyst Ben Mattinson’s verdict on the Netherlands international, it isn’t hard to see why.
“Hato is something else man. Special talent,” wrote Mattinson on X.
“I love how this season he’s played LB, really platforms his ability to break the press and defend wide areas.”
