Ajax are expected to sell Arsenal target Jorrel Hato next summer. The 18-year-old sensation has been a shining light in a difficult recent period for the Amsterdam club over the last couple of years.

Hato made his first-team debut in January 2023, aged 16, and ended up featuring 15 times for the remainder of that season. But it was in the 2023/24 campaign where Hato had his real breakthrough year, as he cemented himself as a regular in the Ajax side, making 46 appearances across all competitions.

Arsenal were interested in him over the summer, but opted to go for the more experienced Riccardo Calafiori which all-but finished any possible pursuit. There were others keen on signing the teenager, but stayed put at Ajax, who finished fifth in the Eredivisie last season - their lowest finish since 2000.

READ MORE: Arsenal plot January transfer window plan to 'get ahead of everyone' in race for wonderkid duo

READ MORE: £54m January transfer, Saka concern, Liverpool problem - Arsenal Premier League title verdict

Hato has since played 26 matches for Ajax this season, but he is set to leave the club at the end of the campaign, according to The Athletic. "I'm afraid that next summer, we will lose him," one senior Ajax source has said. Hato has attracted attention from several elite European teams, including Arsenal.

When Arsenal were first linked with a move for Hato back in February, former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson, currently at Ajax, heaped praise on his teammate. He told the club's website: "It's crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he’s on the pitch and also off the pitch.

"He's a very mature person, works hard, fantastic player. And yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him, I'm sure. I think he just needs to continue to do what he's been doing.

"Obviously, it's been working for him. I'll try to help him and also the players if they ask for a little bit of advice off the field. If I can help them, I'm sure I'll try and do that, of course."