SHOCKING NEWS: reported by Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are reportedly set to offload one of their brightest young talents in order to fund a deal for one of the world’s most promising left-backs. The Gunners are said to be willing to sell one of their stars, in order to free up the funds necessary to sign a top-quality left-back. The move is part of the club’s long-term strategy to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. It remains to be seen if the deal will go through.

Last month, Kiwior expressed his desire for more playing time at Arsenal and admitted feeling flattered by reported interest from Serie A clubs AC Milan and Roma. Despite joining Arsenal from Spezia last winter for a fee potentially reaching €25 million, the 23-year-old center-back has struggled to establish himself under Mikel Arteta. While he has occasionally filled in at left-back, he remains behind Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and others in the pecking order.

Although Kiwior prefers playing as a center-back, he faces stiff competition from established duo William Saliba and Gabriel. Consequently, Italian reports have linked the Polish international with a potential exit, with both Milan and Roma expressing interest in acquiring him. Kiwior has made only 26 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Spezia, prompting speculation that the club may look to sell him to reinvest in promising young talent, such as Dutch prospect Jorrel Hato.

Jorrel Hato, considered the Netherlands’ most promising defensive prospect, recently made his senior international debut at just 17 years old. He has featured in every minute of Ajax’s matches this season and even captained the team on two occasions, becoming the youngest skipper in the club’s history. While primarily a center-back, Hato’s ability to play at left-back makes him an attractive prospect for Arsenal should they decide to replace Kiwior. Data experts SciSports rate Hato as the world’s top up-and-coming left-back in terms of potential, indicating his versatility and promising future.

Arsenal’s strong relationship with Ajax, exemplified by Jurrien Timber’s transfer last summer, suggests that Hato could follow suit. However, post-Brexit regulations mean Hato can only move when he turns 18 in March, presenting Arsenal with an opportunity to secure a deal. Nonetheless, Ajax remains optimistic about extending Hato’s contract, which has only 18 months remaining, likely involving a significant pay raise upon his 18th birthday.

Hato received praise from his teammate Jordan Henderson, who commended his maturity both on and off the pitch. Henderson highlighted Hato’s debut in January 2023, making him the third-youngest player in club history behind Ryan Gravenberch and Clarence Seedorf.