Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Arsenal dealt blow as teenage transfer target confirms he won't be leaving this summer

Arsenal are expected to back Mikel Arteta in the transfer market this summer.

The Gunners came close to winning the Premier League title but were beaten to the punch by Manchester City, who finished two points ahead of Arteta’s side.

The club spent more than £200m last summer but are prepared to provide Arteta with more funds as they hunt a first title in over twenty years.

Co-chairman Josh Kroenke last month vowed the club would “not stand still” in their attempts to conquer English football, while sporting director Edu has confirmed Arsenal are working through a detailed process when it comes to recruitment.

Standard Sport understands the signing of a new striker is a priority this summer. RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko is of interest, albeit Chelsea may be ready to rival any attempts to sign the 21-year-old.

A new midfielder is also on the agenda, with all of Bruno Guimaraes, Amadou Onana and Martin Zubimendi of Newcastle, Everton and Real Sociedad watched at some point.

Arsenal may also look to strengthen their defence, ideally looking for an option to play on the left-hand side.

They have considered a move for Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato, who has been scouted by some of the biggest teams in Europe.

Arsenal have considered a move for Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato (Evening Standard)

The Gunners are believed to have a good relationship with the Dutch giants following successful talks to sign Jurrien Timber last summer.

Hato, who signed a new contract running until the summer of 2028 in March, has already captained Ajax and is considered one of the hottest prospects in European football.

While Arsenal are interested, the teenager has confirmed his desire to stay.

“I haven’t finished learning here yet,” he told AjaxLife.

“And I want to win prizes with Ajax. That was my dream when I came here.”

Feyenoord’s Quilindschy Hartman is another option at left-back and is believed to be open to the idea of a move.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.