Report: Roma turn attentions to Arsenal-linked Teun Koopmeiners as Xhaka deal fades

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Arsenal’s decision to offer a new contract to Granit Xhaka has forced Roma boss Jose Mourinho to look at another Gunners target instead.

The former Spurs manager is now turning his attentions to AZ Alkmaar midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, according to reports from Italy.

Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Roma and Atalanta could battle it out for Koopmeiners, who is keen to make a move away from Alkmaar.

Reports from just a few weeks ago have suggested that the likes of Arsenal and Leeds are both keen on Koopmeiners. But with the Gunners now offering Xhaka fresh terms, any deal seems unlikely.

Koopmeiners is expected to command a fee in the region of £20m for Alkmaar to sanction his departure. That fee, of course, is more than what Roma apparently refused to pay Arsenal for Xhaka.

23-year-old Koopmeiners was seriously impressive for Alkmaar last season in the Eredivisie. His 15 goals from midfield, further cementing his reputation as one of the best in Holland.

It seems, then, that while Arsenal could keep Xhaka, it could come at the cost of missing out on Koopmeiners.

A big play from the Gunners, and a risky one

Mikel Arteta doesn’t appear to be afraid of making big calls and his decision to persist with Xhaka is a big one. He obviously trusts the Swiss star, but Gunners fans are less convinced.

Xhaka has done ok at times. But he’s far from the best midfielder they’ve ever had either. Many expected him to go this summer. Indeed, many also wanted fresh faces in his place.

Koopmeiners was obviously one the Gunners looked at. If he does well in Rome and Xhaka struggles, then Arteta can expect questions from some supporters again.