Arsenal have been credited with the interest of AZ Alkmaar captain Teun Koopmeiners, who is in demand by a number of top European clubs.
The Gunners are keen to strengthen their squad this summer and are prepared to support Mikel Arteta with a significant sum of money – in the region of £ 250 million – to embark on a full overhaul of the playing squad.
Albert Sambi Lokonga is expected to put pen to paper on a £ 17m move from Anderlecht in the next few days, but he is not the only central midfield goal in Arsenal’s crosshairs.
90min understands that Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Lille Renato Sanches are among the players Arsenal are looking at, but it could also be of interest to the highly ranked Koopmeiners. The leading Dutch publication De Telegraaf claims that the Gunners “change” the 23-year-old, even though they face significant competition for his signature.
Koopmeiners is a prolific goal scorer despite playing in a reduced central midfield role / ANP Sport / Getty Images
The new Serie A force Atalanta is among the favorites to land the Koopmeiners, who netted 15 goals and contributed five assists in last season’s Eredivisie, while there is also great interest from Rennes – who may be looking at long-term replacements for teenage prodigy Eduardo Camavinga .
One thing that could go to Arsenal’s advantage, if they were to make a move, is that the Koopmeiners are reported to have been ‘a big fan of the Gunners as children’, perhaps because of the Dutch contingent who has previously played at the Emirates Stadium.
Dutch legend Dennis Bergkamp spent a decade at the club and won three Premier League titles, while Robin van Persie also had big goals during his time in north London. Arsenal also had one of the best wings in the world at that time in Marc Overmars, who illuminated Highbury in the late 90’s with his blowing pace and attacking feel.
Granit Xhaka is likely to leave Arsenal / Michael Regan / Getty Images
Arsenal are relatively well-stocked in midfield but are expected to lose Granit Xhaka in the next few days to Roma. The departure of the Swiss international would leave Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Lucas Torreira as the other defensive midfielders in Arteta’s squad, although the latter is also expected to retire at some point.
Koopmeiner’s arrival would increase team depth and quality, although there is also rival Premier League interest from Brighton. However, Arsenal may feel that their traction is much greater if they decide to test the waters and make AZ an offer.
