BREAKING: Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta secures another major signing, with a verbal agreement reached between both parties since last week. The deal is worth £70 million plus add-ons — congratulations to all Arsenal fans!

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has finalised another major signing, with a verbal agreement reportedly in place since last week. The deal, valued at £70 million plus add-ons, has been met with excitement from Arsenal fans.

This season, Arsenal’s campaign didn’t exactly meet expectations. Mikel Arteta’s side finished ten points behind Liverpool in the Premier League, fell short in the FA Cup, and missed a golden chance to reach the Champions League final — a feat they might have achieved with more clinical finishing. Despite these setbacks, there have still been positives to take from the season.

One of the brightest spots has been the emergence of Jurrien Timber. In the absence of Ben White, the Dutch defender has truly established himself, quickly becoming one of Arteta’s standout signings. And if recent reports are to be believed, Timber could soon have a young compatriot joining him at the Emirates.

Before diving into the latest target, it’s worth noting that Arsenal have been linked with several promising young players in recent weeks. Among them are Adam Wharton and Konstantinos Karetsas. Wharton, who played a pivotal role in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph, is reportedly available for around £80 million.

While it’s a hefty price tag for a 21-year-old, his performances have justified the interest. Meanwhile, Karetsas has also turned heads with his displays in Belgium. However, at just 17 and valued at £38 million, it remains debatable whether such a significant fee would be best spent on a player not yet ready for regular first-team action.

That brings us to Jorrel Hato. According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are among several clubs keen on signing the Ajax defender. Alongside the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United, the Gunners have already made inquiries about the player.

Ajax, however, are expected to demand around €50 million (£42 million) for the teenager. Though it won’t be a straightforward or cheap deal, it’s one Arsenal should seriously pursue — Hato could well be the next Timber for the club.

While comparing a young defender from outside Europe’s top five leagues to someone who impressed against the likes of Real Madrid might seem ambitious, the parallels are clear. Both Timber and Hato are products of the famed Ajax academy, versatile in defence, and Dutch internationals. Timber’s success story in North London could soon inspire a similar path for Hato.