Chelsea in race to beat Man Utd for this Atalanta star

Ahead of the summer transfer window, Chelsea are said to to be making moves in a bid to beat Man Utd in the race to sign Atalanta BC midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.

The Blues are said to be keen on submitting a bid for the Dutchman.

Koopmeiners, who is known as a top defensive midfielder, joined Atalanta from AZ Alkmaar in 2021, however, impressed in a more attacking role under manager Gian Piero Gasperini over the last two years.

The 26-year-old midfielder has been impactful in 17 goals from 38 matches this season, 13 of his own and four assists, which included 11 strikes in the 2023-24 Serie A season to lead his side’s scoring charts.

This was a better result than effort from last campaign.

The Dutch star also played the full 90 mins in Atlanta 3-0 Europa League quarter-final first-leg win over Premier League side Liverpool at Anfield last week.

However, his contract at Atalanta doesn’t end until the summer of 2027, which means Atlanta will need a mouth watering fee thay would make them consider letting him leave this summer.

To sign him, the Blues and other interested European club must be prepared to submit a bid of €60m (£51.3m) to secure his signature from Atalanta.