Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has delivered a crucial update on Teun Koopmeiners’ future amid speculation linking him with a move to Juventus. During an interview with Eco di Bergamo, the veteran coach confirmed the Dutch midfielder’s desire to join the Bianconeri.
Moreover, the Atalanta gaffer admitted that Koopmeiners already has a verbal agreement with Juventus. The former AZ Alkmaar playmaker reportedly skipped La Dea’s training on Wednesday as he pushes to join Thiago Motta’s side down the final stretch of the summer transfer window.
“He has decided to go to Juventus. He already has an agreement. He no longer wants to train with us,” Gasperini said, as quoted by Black&White. “He will stay out: the club feels blackmailed by this situation.“
Gasperini and Koopmeiners reportedly had an altercation in training on Tuesday, increasing the likelihood of the 26-year-old’s immediate switch to Juventus. Motta can’t wait to onboard the left-footed midfielder despite landing the likes of Douglas Luiz and Khéphren Thuram at the beginning of the summer.
Juventus are desperate to sign the Atalanta talisman after parting with Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman turned down the club’s contract proposal after returning from EURO 2024. The 29-year-old left the Allianz Stadium after five years as a free agent, forcing Juventus to intensify their pursuit of Koopmeiners.
Despite recent rumors suggesting the Dutch star’s move to Juventus is losing momentum, this latest twist could accelerate the deal between Atalanta and the Bianconeri. Gasperini won’t keep an unhappy player, boosting the Turin side’s hopes of completing their long-standing pursuit of the Netherlands international.
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