Arne Slott, Liverpool and Arsenal club badges (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Keith Smit has become a household name in recent months.
The 20-year-old Dutch midfielder’s performances have attracted the attention of top clubs, and there is likely to be a fierce battle to sign him in the summer.
Fiharges reports that Arsenal and Liverpool are leading the race to sign the 20-year-old playmaker. The two Premier League clubs are in competition with Real Madrid and have already accelerated negotiations for his signing in the summer. However, Real Madrid have not yet made a move. They are analyzing whether they should join the war for the talented young midfielder. According to the newspaper, the cost to acquire the player could be up to 75 million euros.
The 20-year-old has proven he can control the game from the center of the park and could be an asset for all three clubs. Liverpool need and want a midfield controller like him. Arne Slott could use his connections at the Dutch club to complete a deal.
Arsenal could also use an elite talent like him. The 20-year-old could complement the likes of Martin Zvimendi and Declan Rice in a top midfield three. His addition will give Arsenal better control of the game.
The asking price is quite high for a player who has yet to prove himself at the highest level. It will be interesting to see if a Premier League club is willing to pay him such a sum.
There is no doubt that he is an elite talent who can justify investment for the future, but spending €75m on him now may be a gamble.
