Arsenal will compete with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool in the race to sign 19-year-old Dutch midfield sensation Kees Smit from Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Kees Smit is the subject of interest from Arsenal. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also keen on signing the AZ Alkmaar midfield sensation next year. Meanwhile, the Eredivisie outfit will demand at least €60 million to part ways with the 19-year-old in the coming months.
Who is Kees Smit?
Kees Smit is the latest promising prodigy to become a household name in his homeland. A native of Heiloo, the 19-year-old has spent his formative years thus far in the Netherlands, starting his youth career at De Foresters before graduating from the youth division at AZ Alkmaar. The Dutchman has already made over 50 appearances for AZ Alkmaar thus far while chipping in with four goals and seven assists.
Meanwhile, the Dutch midfield prospect’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Will Smit move to the Premier League soon?
While Enzo Maresca has a stacked midfield unit, widespread reports have suggested that Chelsea will dip into the market for a midfielder next year. So, Smit has emerged as a viable target for Chelsea, with Maresca keen on adding more options in the middle of the park. As for Liverpool, Wataru Endo is on the wrong side of 30, compelling the Merseyside outfit to dip into the market for a midfielder.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Kees Smit makes sense. The Red Devils are combing the market for a versatile midfielder amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. Additionally, Manuel Ugarte has been dreadful since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago. So, Smit is an option worth considering for Manchester United.
The three Premier League bigwigs will face stiff competition from Arsenal for the 19-year-old Dutchman’s signature. While the Gunners reinforced their midfield unit in the summer transfer window, Christian Norgaard is on the wrong side of 30. So, Arsenal can do with another midfielder, with Smit emerging as a viable target.
Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar will demand at least €60 million to part ways with the promising midfield sensation in the summer transfer window. Other bigwigs have also shown interest in the Dutch wonderkid, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.