BREAKING NEWS: Coming live from Emirates, “I have taken my time to watch him, he’s what we need, and his potential will do us a lot of good”. Arsenal has set its sights on an £85 million versatile defender nicknamed the “Swiss-army knife,” who might mean the end for Zinchenko. This young Ajax star is making headlines for his ability to perform as both a center and left back. Mikel Arteta has taken note of his remarkable interceptions, blocks, and passing accuracy statistics. With such a high price tag, Arsenal’s acquisition in this developing talent might transform their defense lineup and bring the consistency they’ve been looking for. Arsenal is considering an £85 million “Swiss-army knife” who may finally put an end to Zinchenko.

Arsenal is gearing up for a busy summer transfer window, aiming to enhance their squad following a commendable Premier League season where they narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City.

While the club’s primary focus is rumored to be on strengthening the striker position, with names like Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko being linked, Mikel Arteta may also need to address the left-back spot.

Speculation around Oleksandr Zinchenko’s potential departure from the Emirates is growing, and although losing a top player is difficult, Arsenal’s latest target could be the perfect successor.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal has set its sights on Ajax’s promising defender, Jorrel Hato. Despite the teenager recently renewing his contract with Ajax, the Gunners remain undeterred. Arsenal’s interest in Hato initially emerged in January.

Although the article doesn’t specify a potential transfer fee, journalist Suleyman Öztürk suggested on the Dutch site SoccerNews in November that Hato might command a price around €100 million (£85 million). Despite this steep fee, Hato might prove to be a valuable investment.

A comparison between Hato and Zinchenko highlights several key points. Hato is only 18 years old and primarily a center-back, but his versatility allows him to effectively play as a left-back, earning him the nickname “Swiss army knife” from data analyst Ben Mattinson. Despite his youth, Hato’s statistics in various areas already surpass those of Zinchenko.

In metrics such as progressive passes, carries, and non-penalty expected goals and assists, Hato trails behind Zinchenko. However, in numerous other metrics, Hato excels.

Per 90 minutes this season, Hato registers more interceptions, blocks, clearances, and ball recoveries, makes fewer errors leading to shots, wins more aerial duels, and boasts superior passing accuracy.

For example, Hato, whom Mattinson calls “elite,” excels in defensive actions like interceptions, blocks, and clearances. He commits fewer errors leading to shots, wins more aerial duels, and has better passing accuracy than Zinchenko.

Although Hato might not be as offensively inclined as Zinchenko, Arteta has demonstrated a preference for a more defensively-oriented left-back, as shown by his use of players like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior.

Ultimately, Hato could be the ideal replacement for Zinchenko, despite his young age and significant transfer fee.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has even stated that Hato has a “huge future ahead.” This potential acquisition might solidify Arsenal’s defense and bring the consistency they seek.