‘A big fan of the Gunners as a child’ – Arsenal have huge advantage in race to sign 15-goal midfielder

Arsenal are one of the clubs ‘preying’ on AZ Alkmaar star Teun Koopmeiners, according to De Telegraaf.

The newspaper’s online edition details Rennes’ interest in the defensive midfielder, who finished with 15 goals and five assists in the Eredivisie last season.

Atalanta are also looking at the 23-year-old, but the Serie A side and Rennes are not the only clubs interested in the Dutchman,

Along with the Gunners, AS Roma, Brighton & Hove Albion and a few others are keeping a close eye on on the Dutchman.

It’s said the Netherlands international was ‘a big fan of the Gunners as a child’, and that may favour the north London club in the transfer chase, if Mikel Arteta’s side show keen interest over signing the player going forward.

Arsenal currently have Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira as the four recognised defensive midfielders in their squad.

However, the Uruguay international has already asked to leave the club, while the Swiss midfielder is wanted by AS Roma.

The duo’s departure would make room for the Premier League side to sign Koopmeiners in this window, and also bring in a bit of money to give AZ Alkmaar the money needed to get the deal done.