With a Premier League title run-in on the horizon, Arteta is believed to be scouring the winter transfer market for defensive reinforcements. The Telegraph claim that Hato's bright performances for a struggling Ajax side have put him firmly on the Spaniard's radar.
Like Timber, the 17-year-old can play at left-back or in central defence. With fewer than 18 months remaining on his current contract, the Gunners may look to pounce on a bargain transfer opportunity.
Arsenal are reportedly plotting a move for Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato (Image: Getty)
Ajax are thought to be keen on offering Hato a new deal, although whether or not he stays - with the Amsterdam giants 23 points off the Eredivisie pace - is another question altogether.
Speaking to ELF Voetbal back in October, the defender made it crystal clear that he one day wants to follow in Timber's footsteps, saying: "Unfortunately he was seriously injured in his first Premier League game for Arsenal, but he is still young and has a bright future ahead of him.
"In any case, the move to Arsenal was a wonderful one for him. It is also my dream to one day make such a transfer, but I realise that I still have a very long way to go."
Hato, born in 2006, has already captained Ajax, and a superb fitness record has seen him play every minute of every Eredivisie game so far this campaign. The Rotterdam-born defender has also been called up and capped by the senior Netherlands national team.
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Injuries have limited Arteta's options this season with Timber currently joined by Oleksandr Zinchenko on the sidelines. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also absent, having jetted off to compete at the Asian Cup.
The Gunners spent £17m on Jakub Kiwior in January last year, but the Poland international has been used sparingly by Arteta when Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are available for selection.
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