Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has become one of the most sought-after prospects in the transfer market, with numerous clubs from Serie A and abroad setting their sights on the Dutchman.
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has identified the 25-year-old as a perfect replacement for outgoing star Moises Caicedo, as per Calciomercato.
Chelsea have recently leapfrogged Manchester United in the race to purchase the highly-rated 22-year-old, whose departure would pour upwards of €100 million into the Seagulls’ coffers.
After securing a historic Europa League qualification, the Premier League outfit must reinforce their squad to ensure quality and strength in depth ahead of an exhausting campaign.
However, Brighton cannot afford to wait much longer if they’re to snap up Koopmeiners as they face fierce competition from several Serie A clubs, including Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli.
Familiar with the Dutchman’s qualities, the Italians are ready to rival De Zerbi’s team for one of the best-performing Serie A midfielders last season.
According to Foot Mercato, Atalanta won’t negotiate their standout performer’s sale for less than €35m, especially with a bidding war on the horizon.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa could also test the waters despite completing the signing of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer after the Belgian ran down his contract at Leicester City.
Like Brighton, the Birmingham powerhouse will compete in Europe next season after pipping Tottenham Hotspur to a seventh-place finish to land a Europa Conference League berth.
Given the multitude of options on the table, Atalanta must be rubbing their hands, even though they’d ideally hold on to the left-footed playmaker for another year.
Koopmeiners’ contract at the Gewiss Stadium runs out in 2025. So if the Italians intend to cash in on the former AZ Alkmaar midfielder, now is the perfect time to do that.
It’s still uncertain whether the Netherlands international wants to renew his deal in Bergamo, meaning his price tag could drop significantly next summer unless he commits to new terms soon.
