Now, we don’t want to raid on West Ham United’s parade – amid reports suggesting that Teun Koopmeiners could bring an end to David Moyes’ pursuit of a new central midfielder – but Calcio Atalanta had a point when they said that finding an agreement with the Serie A outfit would be ‘very complicated’
There are, after all, just three weeks left in the window. Landing an adequate replacement for Koopmeiners between now and September – with so little time remaining – would be easier said than done.
Especially when you consider that the Dutch international – a £12 million signing from AZ Alkmaar just last year – is a major part of Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans in Bergamo.
What’s more, Nottingham Forest’s interest in another Atalanta midfielder further complicates matters. At least, as far as West Ham are concerned.
Nottingham Forest’s gain, West Ham United’s loss
Forest have had two bids rejected for Remo Freuler, including one that would have seen the Switzerland international arrive on loan with a £9 million option-to-buy clause included in his City Ground contract. Confidence remains, however, that an agreement will arrive.
Nottingham Forest have offered Freuler a £30,000-a-week deal (Calciomercato). And, after six seasons in Italy, the 30-year-old appears to have his heart set on a fresh start.
And while Atalanta may be willing to let Freuler go, it’s hard to imagine La Dea allowing two of key players – who play largely in the same position – go in the very same month. If Freuler leaves, Koopmeiners’ importance to Gasperini will only increase
“A player with fantastic vision, excellent passing, powerful, and a natural leader. (A player) who is truly consistent in quality and mentality,” agent Bert Baving said of the former AZ captain.
“For a coach, (Koopmeiners) is the perfect athlete to work with. An exemplary professional.
“It’s always difficult to make comparisons. But he’s a Toni Kroos, Jorginho, (Nemanja) Matic or (Manuel) Locatelli-type. Only Teun will score more goals than any of these players.”
Atalanta are under no pressure to cash in Koopmeiners with three years left on his deal. And selling Freuler to Forest should only harden their already firm stance.
After losing out to Everton for Amadou Onana, after PSV’s Ibrahim Sangare put pen to paper on a new contract, West Ham’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements appears to have hit another obstacle.
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