AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is fast becoming one of Europe’s most in-demand players in his position, and with the summer transfer window fast approaching, there is already a list of suitors keen to secure his services.
Offside has reported that Chelsea are the latest entrants in a bid to sign the Dutch youngster and are prepared to take on Real Madrid to secure his signing once the current campaign comes to an end.
Smit has been compared to Frenkie de Jong in recent months, but many believe his potential is greater, thanks to the fact that he is a great box-to-box midfielder with exceptional interception, passing skills and the ability to advance the ball into the final third.
It is starting to look like Alkmaar have already resigned to losing him and imposed a price tag of £52 million, a figure that the Blues are keen to match as the player fits perfectly into their sporting project.
A great long-term signing for Chelsea
Kees Smith is still only 20 but is wanted by two of Europe’s top clubs, which is testament to his enormous potential. That said, his attributes potentially make him an ideal long-term addition to Chelsea’s midfield.
That said, the Blues could also fancy their chances of trumping Real Madrid for his services as they have a very compelling pathway to developing younger players, with first-team opportunities also available in abundance.
Madrid are thought to be eyeing Smit as a replacement for Toni Kroos, but at the age of 20 and with the likes of Arda Guler, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham already at the club, they may not be able to guarantee him a starring role, at least not right now.
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