Chelsea and Liverpool scouted Atalanta's Dutch star at Coppa Italia
The Coppa Italia final between Juventus and Atalanta on Wednesday evening attracted the attention of Chelsea and Liverpool scouts, who were reportedly there to observe Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.
Teun Koopmeiners, the 26-year-old Dutch international, has been making waves in the football world with his outstanding performances for Atalanta this season. The talented midfielder has contributed to an impressive 22 goals and assists across all competitions, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.
According to HITC, Koopmeiners was the primary focus for both Premier League sides attending the match, despite Juventus' victory over Atalanta. The Italian giants are currently leading the race to secure the Dutchman's signature, but there is significant interest from England as well.
Chelsea, who are likely to part ways with Conor Gallagher this summer, have been closely monitoring Koopmeiners as a potential replacement. The club hierarchy is hesitant to offer Gallagher a new contract, which could lead to his departure, despite his regular starting role under Mauricio Pochettino this season. The Blues see Koopmeiners as an ideal fit for their midfield, given his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
Liverpool have also been keeping a keen eye on Koopmeiners for several months, as they look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the upcoming season. The Reds are reportedly willing to meet Atalanta's asking price, which is believed to be in the region of €60 million (£52 million). Koopmeiners' skill set and work ethic align perfectly with Jürgen Klopp's philosophy, making him an attractive target for the Merseyside club.
Koopmeiners' standout performances have not gone unnoticed, with Atalanta still in contention for the Europa League title. His ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and contribute to the team's offensive efforts have made him a valuable asset for the Italian side. It comes as no surprise that top European clubs are vying for his signature.
While Juventus appear to be the frontrunners in the race to sign Koopmeiners, Liverpool and Chelsea's presence at the Coppa Italia final indicates their strong interest in the midfielder. The Premier League duo may need to act swiftly to secure his signature, as Juventus look to replace the outgoing Adrien Rabiot and potentially appoint a new manager who could prioritise the Dutchman's arrival.
The battle for Teun Koopmeiners' signature is set to intensify. Atalanta hold a strong negotiating position given the player's impressive performances and the growing interest from top European clubs.