Manchester United have received a huge boost as Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has admitted that he wants to leave the Serie A side this summer.
The 26-year-old has been in fine form for the Bergamo outfit this season. He has scored 12 goals and assisted four times in over 34 appearances.
The Dutch star has chipped in valuable contributions in defence and attack. Originally playing as a defensive midfielder during his initial days with AZ Alkmaar, Koopmeiners has gone on to play a bit higher for Atlanta.
Man United were linked with a move for the experienced midfield general last year but they didn’t present any official offer on the table. Liverpool, Juventus and Napoli have now joined them in this tight race.
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Koopmeiners has revealed that he understands this strong interest in him and that he has informed his current club that he wants to move away this summer.
While talking to the Telegraaf, he said:
“Last year there was concrete interest from Napoli. However, in the end, the two clubs did not find an agreement. I told Atalanta that in the coming summer, I want to move.”
“My fiance and I are having a great time in Italy, but for some clubs in England, I couldn’t even bear the rainy days there.
“I hope options present themselves so I can think about it. I hope Atalanta gets a good fee because I have had a wonderful time in Bergamo.
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t hear the news about the interest from Juventus and Premier League clubs have shown to me.”
Atalanta would be asking anything close to €60 million for their star player. United should be prepared for this asking price since the Italian club won’t budge on their demands.
Last year they rejected Napoli’s €48m offer for the Dutch maestro and they could repeat the same. The player is keen on a move and it ultimately depends on how this transfer saga shapes up in the upcoming months.
Will Koopmeiners be an important addition to Manchester United?
The Red Devils have plenty of issues to sort out when it comes to their midfield zone. Christian Eriksen looks unhappy at Old Trafford due to lack of game time and may leave the club this summer.
Sofyan Amrabat’s loan spell will also end at the end of the season and it’s highly unlikely that the club will keep him permanently. Casemiro’s future is also uncertain amid strong interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Hence, with limited options in midfield, it will be prudent for Erik Ten Hag’s side to target the Atalanta star this summer. Koopmeiners’s experience could play a key role for United as his prime years are still ahead of him.
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He could form a formidable partnership with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in the middle.
However, it remains to be seen whether the English giants can convince the midfielder to ignore calls from other Serie A clubs this summer.
