Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Teun Koopmeiners is set to depart. The 26-year-old has been one of Gasperini’s main lieutenants in the middle of the park but it appears that their relationship is at an end.
The midfielder was a key figure in the side that won the Europa League last season but his displays attracted interest from around Europe. However, it is a side closer to home that looks set to entice the Dutchman into their club.
In a fairly explosive interview (via Football Italia), the Europa League winning coach said that the player wanted to move to Juve but that the club would be holding a firm stance.
“The Koopmeiners situation was going very well until last week, then the player decided to go to Juventus, he already has an agreement, he feels stressed and has decided not to play or train with us anymore. And with this attitude he cannot be of any use to us.
“The club in turn has taken a very firm stance, because the club feels blackmailed by this situation. It’s different from other times in which Atalanta has sold some valuable pieces.”
Juve have been willing to pay €50m for the Dutchman but Atalanta want €15m more as they stick to their valuation. The irony of doing this is that the Serie A outfit are sniffing around for Matt O’Riley but offering derisory fees from £14m to £20m.
Atalanta have made multiple bids for O’Riley as they look to take the talented Dane to Italy. Celtic have held firm, insisting that they do not need to sell and will only consider a record breaking transfer fee. It is expected that Atalanta and Brighton will come back in for the midfielder but Celtic but stick to their guns and hold onto the player as there is no pressure to sell. Another UCL campaign could only assist O’Riley in finding a move to a big name in a top five league.
