Chelsea reportedly sent scouts earlier this week to watch a midfield transfer target live in action.
The central midfield position has been a hot topic for discussion this season around Stamford Bridge, with a lot expected from expensive signings Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Unfortunately, their partnership in the middle of the pitch has flattered to deceive.
- READ MORE: Graeme Souness delivers his verdict on the form of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez this season
Conor Gallagher’s done well as a third starting midfielder, often advanced as a No 10, but a lack of rotation due to other injuries has been an issue.
Now, Chelsea scouts have been to a European tie in England this week to eye a potential midfield signing.
Chelsea scouts watch Teun Koopmeiners
HITC claims that Chelsea had representatives at Anfield on Thursday night to watch Liverpool lose 3-0 at home to Atalanta in the Europa League.
It is explained that Blues scouts were specifically there to focus on Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners.
The 26-year-old Dutchman, who played the full game versus Liverpool, caught the eye as an attacking midfielder. He’s a versatile star that can play in offensive or deeper midfield positions, though.
Here below are some of Koopmeiners’ match statistics against Liverpool, via FotMob.
| Match rating | 7.0 |
| Total shots | 4 |
| Accurate passes | 15/20 (75%) |
| Touches in opposition box | 4 |
| Successful dribbles | 2/2 (100%) |
| Tackles won | 2/4 (50%) |
| Ground duels won | 6/11 (55%) |
Atalanta star available for tempting £47m
La Repubblica claimed back in February that Atalanta are prepared to sell Koopmeiners this summer if their €55 million (£47m) price tag is met. Apparently, Chelsea are the most interested in signing the Holland international as well.
The Serie A star looks an attractive option to us as a genuine goalscoring midfielder, netting 13 times across all competitions so far.
It would be great for the Blues to recruit individuals with this kind of experience rather than youngsters starting from scratch.
Hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by former Atalanta player Domenico Progna (TuttoMercatoWeb), Koopmeiners should soon be entering his prime and looks good value.
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