Arsenal may have Ronald Koeman to thank as Gunners desperate for Man Utd transfer snub | Football | Sport

Arsenal may hope to wrap up their first summer signing early in the transfer window with reported target Jorrel Hato not named in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024. The Gunners have been linked with rivalling Manchester United for the Ajax defender this summer.

Mikel Arteta insisted last week that he wants Arsenal’s summer business to be completed as early as possible. A flurry of early deals last year – including Declan Rice and Kai Havertz – helped the Spaniard gel together a squad that went on to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.

“We want that as coaches and for the players especially you want that, and then for the team and the environment,” Arteta said when asked if he wants Arsenal’s signings to be welcomed early, rather than in the final weeks of the transfer window.

“When you do that, something clicks, something starts to build there and that’s really important because it starts to give you momentum. We have the Euros this season and Copa America, and it might be a different summer.”

Ronald Koeman’s decision not to take the highly-rated Hato to Euro 2024 will help that cause. Despite making his senior international debut in November 2023, the 18-year-old has not featured in Koeman’s squad since and will have a free summer to potentially discuss an exit from Ajax.

The left-footed centre-back is the subject of interest from Europe’s elite. HITC report that Arsenal lead the race for Hato, but that United have been monitoring the youngster’s progress.

Arsenal will hope that Hato’s lack of international recognition this summer will aid their cause to complete an early deal. There is already an existing relationship between the Gunners and Ajax due to Jurrien Timber making the same move last year.

Arteta’s side came extremely close to winning a first Premier League title in two decades last season. They finished the campaign two points behind City, with their head coach blaming an April defeat against Aston Villa.

Arsenal still have gaps that need to be filled, Arteta says. Sporting director Edu will spend the summer strengthening Arteta’s options.

“First one and most important is how we are going to get these players to a different level,” the Arsenal boss said on Sunday. “That is my first job and after that, If [we] visualise that, we still don’t have enough to do that. For sure we will have to do everything we can to fulfil those gaps.”