Arsenal face stern competition from Real Madrid in race to sign 18-year-old Eredivisie talent in January: Reports 

Arsenal are reportedly set to face competition from Real Madrid for the signing of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato in the January transfer window. This is according to MARCA, who say that Los Blancos see Hato as an option to provide cover for the injured Dani Carvajal (via Tribal Football).

The 18-year-old has played most of his developmental years as a centre-back but has featured in the full-back role for Ajax this campaign. However, he's played on the left as opposed to the right sided area he will have to cover at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Playing at left-back this year, Hato has made 13 appearances across competitions for his Dutch employers, bagging two goals and assists each. He is certainly not going to be a cheap buy for either side, with the player contracted with the Eredivisie outfit till the summer of 2028.

As far as the Gunners are concerned, Mikel Arteta has shown that he's an admirer of footballers who are versatile in the positions they can cover. Most recently, the Spaniard has integrated Riccardo Calafiori into the side, a defender who can slot in at left-back and fill in as a centre-back.

Should both sides pursue their interest in Hato, the youngster will have a difficult choice to make. He may, however, be suited in joining Real Madrid, with the right-back place up for grabs. Additionally, he would earn the chance to compete for the La Liga and Champions League titles.

Meanwhile, the Gunners have their backline covered, with Gabriel and William Saliba sitting in the heart of the defense. The likes of Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Calafiori are all options for full-back roles.

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Fabrizio Romano provides Arsenal defender William Saliba update amid Real Madrid links

AWilliam Saliba

Arsenal defender William Saliba has been linked with top European clubs Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over a potential transfer in recent weeks. However, Fabrizio Romano has come out to rubbish these claims.

He believes that the Gunners man is valued at the Emirates and the player himself is delighted to remain with the club. Speaking about this on his Daily Briefing, Romano said (via Arsenal Insider):

"He's very happy at Arsenal and there's nothing ongoing with any club."

Saliba is a crucial part of the Gunners backline and has started every single Premier League and Champions League match this season. He's currently contracted with the north London outfit till the summer of 2027.