Atalanta and AZ Alkmaar have reportedly struck an agreement for Teun Koopmeiners to move to Serie A in the closing stage of the transfer market. Gianluca Di Marzio insists the Eredivisie giants have accepted a €14m offer for their captain after months of exhausting negotiations.
Atalanta’s interest in Koopmeiners first emerged at the beginning of the summer. However, talks between AZ and La Dea have been dragging all over the summer, with Roma trying to hijack the move at one point. I Giallorossi have eventually pulled out of the race, paving the way for the Bergamo-based outfit.
A lack of numbers in the midfield department has forced Atalanta’s hand in the transfer window. Gian Piero Gasperini has never had an alternative option for his pursuit of Koopmeiners, which has pushed La Dea to their limits in an attempt to close a deal with AZ.
The 23-year-old midfielder has come through the ranks at the AFAS Stadion. Since making his senior debut in August 2017, the Dutchman has racked up 153 appearances in all competitions for the Eredivisie side.
Despite mainly playing in front of the backline, Koopmeiners has been quite prolific. He has managed 43 goals and 17 assists for AZ en route to earning the captain’s armband. Though the club fought tooth and nail to keep their star player beyond the summer, Atalanta’s unrelenting efforts have paid dividends eventually.
Koopmeiners will reportedly pen a four-year contract at the Gewiss Stadium worth €1.5m per season. He should bring creativity and energy to Gasperini’s underperforming side. Despite going unbeaten in their opening two Serie A games this term, Atalanta have played well below their high standards.
After eking out a 2-1 victory away to Torino on the opening weekend, La Dea slumped at home against a spirited Bologna side on Matchday 1, managing a goalless draw on Saturday evening.