Report: Arsenal eye move for 17-goal defensive midfielder; he’s a ‘big’ Gooner

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According to a report from Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Arsenal are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar skipper Teun Koopmeiners this summer.

Mikel Arteta and Edu are on the hunt for a new central midfielder. Granit Xhaka is set to depart soon, as is Lucas Torreira. Matteo Guendouzi has left already, while Dani Ceballos isn’t coming back either.

That leaves a big hole in the middle of our park. We have a world-class central midfielder in Thomas Partey, but we need someone who can slot in alongside him and provide some good protection to our backline.

The likes of Ruben Neves, Yves Bissouma and Eduardo Camavinga have been linked and they’re all fantastic options. However, Koopmeiners isn’t a bad player to target by any means this summer.

Arsenal-linked Teun Koopmeiners scored 17 goals last season

Koopmeiners, still only 23, has been AZ’s captain for a couple of years now. He has been their star man ever since he made his senior debut in 2017, and his offensive numbers, despite being a defensive midfielder, is absolutely brilliant.

In his 40 games last season, the Dutchman scored 17 goals and provided seven assists in all competitions. Although almost half of his goals came from the penalty spot, it’s still an outrageous return for a midfielder.

Arsenal really need someone in the middle of the park who can chip in with regular goals. Keeping that in mind, Koopmeiners would be an excellent option, and the Gunners might have an edge in the race to sign him.

Koopmeiners is a ‘big fan of the Gunners’

The report claims that Rennes, Atalanta, AS Roma and Brighton are all battling Arsenal for his signature, but Koopmeiners is said to be ‘a big fan of the Gunners as a child’, and that could well sway the deal our way.

It is unclear how much AZ would demand to part ways with their skipper. However, he has entered the final two years of his contract and if Arsenal really go in with a decent offer, we could well get him.

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Koopmeiners is by no means the big-name signing Arsenal fans are hoping for. However, he’s still only 23, can play in midfield and in central defence, is a real leader and has the potential to be a top player soon. That could convince Arteta to make a move for him in the coming weeks.