‘I’m still learning’: Arsenal suffer huge blow in pursuit of Ajax youngster

Arsenal’s hope of signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax this summer transfer window has suffered a huge blow with the youngster eager to play another season with Dutch club.

Hato has been the subject of rife transfer speculation in recent months, with both the Gunners and Manchester United linked with the bright prospect.

The 18-year-old impressed in a sub-par Ajax team this season and was one of few standout performers for the club. Despite Ajax torrid season, Hato went on to become the youngest ever player to captain the club.

With Arsenal eager to secure his signature this summer, Hato appears to have ruled out a summer transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

Jorrel Hato of Ajax with the Marco van Basten best talent of the year trophy during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax v Almere City at the Johan Cruijff Arena (Photo by Jeroen van den Berg/Soccrates/Getty Images)

In an interview with the club’s social team about his future, Hato said: “I’ll just play for Ajax next season.

“I haven’t finished learning here yet. And I want to win prizes with Ajax. That was my dream when I came here.”

The young defender had emerged as a key target to provide competition at left back to his compatriot Jurrien Timber and Arsenal will have to seek an alternative.

Three Arsenal left-sided defenders – Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Jakub Kiwior – have all been linked away from the club as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce an area that became an Achilles’ heel in his side last term.