Arsenal are one of the clubs ‘preying’ on AZ Alkmaar star Teun Koopmeiners, according to De Telegraaf.

The 23-year-old has been a subject of interest from various clubs across Europe with French side Rennes’ already having made their advances.

Whereas, Atalanta, AS Roma and Premier League side Brighton are also credited to hold an interest in Koopmeiners.

The Alkmaar man is valued around €16.50m

Arsenal are one of the club ‘preying’ on AZ Alkmaar midfielder Teun Koopmeiners. The player was ‘a big fan of the Gunners as a child’. [@telegraaf via @Sport_Witness] #afc pic.twitter.com/Fj1ujFY2HZ

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 15, 2021

It is no secret that Arsenal’s first priority in the defensive midfield position is Manuel Locatelli. The Sassuolo man was impressive in the European Championship, and the Gunners have already launched a bid for him a few weeks back.

However, the player prefers a move to Italian giants Juventus. Thus, Arsenal see themselves fighting an uphill battle to land the coveted midfielder.

But a disappointment at one front can mean joy at the other. If Locatelli joins Juventus, Arsenal will definitely press ahead for other talented targets on their list. Yves Bissouma of Brighton and Wolves’ Ruben Neves look like the names that are at the top end of the Gunners’ hierarchy list.

Good on the ball with a vast range of passes; Arsenal might have found their perfect man

But if they want a more economical signing, then AZ’s Teun Koopmeiners, who has a single appearance to his name for the Netherlands National team, can be their man.

The defensive midfielder has been exceptional, to say the least. In his 114 appearances for the Kaaskoppen, he has scored an impressive 35 goals and recorded a further 12 assists.

He has been one of the standout players in his position in the Eredivisie for the past two seasons and has thus, naturally attracted interest from the continent.

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Koopmeiners’ versatility might also appeal to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, as he tries to be more inventive with his ideas in his second full season in charge. The Castricum-born midfielder can not just play as a central defensive and a box-to-box midfielder, but also as a center-back.

With Granit Xhaka’s departure imminent, the North London outfit are extremely light in the midfield. Even though they are close to announcing the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht.

The Teun Koopmeiners links are still at the preliminary stage. That being so, it will be intriguing to see who Arsenal eventually end up acquiring.

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