Liverpool ready to win €60M bidding war for Arne - player is ready to leave

Liverpool have their eyes set on a potential midfield upgrade as they prepare to welcome new manager Arne Slot.

The club is reportedly ready to outbid Juventus for Teun Koopmeiners, a €60m-rated midfielder Slot once captained at AZ Alkmaar.

With Slot's tactical overhaul looming, Liverpool's pursuit of Koopmeiners could be a crucial first step in retooling the squad for the post-Jürgen Klopp era.

Slot will leave Feyenoord after guiding them to the Eredivisie title last season and the Dutch Cup this year.

Liverpool will reportedly pay Feyenoord a fee of €9 million, with €2 million in add-ons, though including the cost of bringing Slot's coaching staff on board, the total venture could reach €13-€15m, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Slot's arrival at Anfield comes with a range of challenges and questions regarding the squad's future.

The contracts of several key players - Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah - are set to expire in 2025.

Borussia Dortmund have shown interest in van Dijk, while the Saudi Pro League remains focused on Salah.

Liverpool mainly need replacements for Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara, whose contracts end this season.

However, the latest reports suggest that Liverpool could already have a replacement for Thiago lined up in the form of Atalanta's Teun Koopmeiners - a player Slot once entrusted with the captain's armband.

What's the latest on Teun Koopmeiners to Liverpool?

Sport Mediaset reports that Liverpool are ready to meet Atalanta's €60 million (£51.3) valuation for Koopmeiners, outbidding Juventus in the process.

Juventus consider the 26-year-old midfielder their top target this summer, but the Italian club may struggle to compete with Liverpool's financial muscle.

Koopmeiners impressed against Liverpool this season as his Atalanta side triumphed over the Reds in the Europa League. His performances showcased his ability to control the midfield, contribute to the attack, and execute Slot's aggressive playing style.

Slot worked with Koopmeiners at AZ Alkmaar, naming him club captain when he was just 21. The midfielder eventually joined Atalanta for €12m in 2021, but he appears ready to make his next career move, with Liverpool leading the chase.

Koopemeiners wants to leave - perfect timing for Liverpool

During the last international break, Koopmeiners said in his interview with the Telegraaf, via Calciomercato.

"I have told Atalanta that I want to leave the club in the summer. I hope there will be options to consider this year... I've had an amazing time at Atalanta and I hope they will get a big sum."

With 14 goals and five assists this season, Koopmeiners' versatility and attacking prowess could make him a valuable asset for Liverpool's midfield.

He's also represented the Netherlands 21 times since his senior debut in 2020.

Given his connection to Slot and Liverpool's readiness to pay the asking price, Koopmeiners could become Slot's first major signing, providing Liverpool with a new midfield anchor for years to come.