Major Arsenal target to sign big contract next month, ahead of potential summer move: report

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta before the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2024 in London, England.
(Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal's summer transfer plans are starting now, with one major target signing a big contract next month.

The Gunners began planning for their summer 2023 window this time last year, with Declan Rice identified as the major signing that manager Mikel Arteta wanted to bring to the Emirates Stadium. Rice has been a palpable hit, following his £105 million move – but that all started from a meeting with Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar.

The groundwork is already being laid for the coming summer, too, with Arsenal said to be eyeing recruits across the pitch, as Arteta raises the floor of the squad, having lifted the ceiling last summer with the acquisition of Rice. 

Declan Rice in action for Arsenal against his former club West Ham at the London Stadium in February 2024.

Declan Rice's move was months in the pipeline (Image credit: Getty Images)

One major target, however, is set to sign a new contract, with Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato said to have committed to a new deal in Amsterdam, as per ESPN Netherlands.

The defender is said to be penning the deal next month when he turns 18, seemingly allaying fears that he could depart de Godenzonen on a cut-price deal abroad. But Hato's new contract doesn't necessarily exclude the possibility of a move this summer.

Ajax are primarily a selling club and with the Eredivisie side struggling this season to qualify for European competition, it's feasible that Hato's new extension could include a sensible release clause – or at least the agreement that he can move on this summer for the right bidder.

Jorrel Hato of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax v Vitesse at the Johan Cruijff Arena on November 25, 2023 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Jeroen van den Berg/Soccrates/Getty Images) Arsenal target

Jorrel Hato is wanted by Arsenal (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Standard have previously linked Arsenal with Hato, while the Gunners have previous in dealing with Ajax, having signed Jurrien Timber from the Dutch giants last summer.

Hato is worth €22m, according to Transfermarkt

More Arsenal stories

Arsenal have announced a groundbreaking new deal – which could help fund huge summer spending

Arsenal reportedly plot stunning swoop for Manchester United star

Gunners legend Ian Wright on the Gunners moment that 'broke' him - ‘Like ripping your heart out’

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.

Read more
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at London Colney on July 03, 2023 in St Albans, England.
Arsenal ready to OVERPAY release clause to secure 'priority' signing: report
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is aiming for success at the Emirates
Arsenal 'reach agreement on four-year' deal with superstar Spaniard: report
Mikel Arteta is aiming for success at the Emirates
Arsenal pushing for 'delusional' transfer, following Kai Havertz blow: report
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa FC at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2025 in London, England.
Arsenal have agreed SECOND deal of the summer, ahead of club accepting bid 'without hesitation': report
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, May 2024
Arsenal 'accept conditions' to buy Brazilian star: report
Arsenal stars Ayden Heaven and Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 04, 2024 in London Colney, England.
Arsenal wonderkid exit talks confirmed, in huge blow for club: report
Latest in Stories
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed