Arsenal banned from signing Ajax defender

ARSENAL are one of a number of clubs interested in Ajax defender Jorrel Hato — although they will be unable to make a move this month.

Hato has already captained the Dutch giants twice this season and in theory, he could join a major club in Germany or Spain in January.

But due to Post-Brexit immigration rules, because he is 17, Arsenal and the other English clubs will not be able to make a move until he turns 18 in March.

This means they are restricted to a summer move. The teenager is predominantly a central defender but can also play at left-back.

Hato has already made 40 appearances for Ajax, highlighting why Arsenal would not want to miss out.

Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence this month — although former Gunner Mikel

Silvestre reckons he should look at the other end of the pitch.

He said: “Considering the lack of effectiveness from the front three or four, I believe a striker will be the priority for Arsenal in the January transfer window.”

However, Silvestre does not feel Ivan Toney is the answer up front for Arsenal — and urged them to bring in a Serie A title winner. He added: “In my eyes, Victor’s a more complete striker than Ivan Toney.

“I believe his style would be better suited to Arsenal too.

“As soon as Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille, he needed six months to adapt and then after that, he became a real threat and scored a lot of goals. “He was key to Napoli winning the Serie A title last seaon and for the reasons I’ve provided, I would prefer Arsenal to sign Osimhen over Ivan Toney.”