Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid are “closer to signing” AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit than Bayern Munich, according to Bild reporter Christian Falk.

Writing on his personal website, the journalist explained that the Dutchman is not an active target for Bayern as they have enough options in the middle of the park, but his sources tell him that other teams, including the Reds, are showing concrete interest:

“It’s not [a] hot [topic] for Bayern Munich. Smit is a player Arsenal is also interested in, so for [Leon] Goretzka, this could be a potential rival for his position next summer. From what I understand, Arsenal and the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid are closer to signing this player than Bayern Munich.

Smit is not expected to be available on the cheap this summer, with the likes of Fabrizio Romano claiming that AZ want a fee in excess of €60m (£52m).

Why is there so much hype around Smit?

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman is one of those who has been lavishing praise on the 20-year-old. He has compared his traits to Barcelona’s Pedri on more than one occasion over the last year.

Koeman was a legendary midfielder in his own right, and he managed Pedri at Barca, so he does know a thing or to.

Would Liverpool spend that much on a midfielder?

Some will argue that the Reds’ priorities lie elsewhere. They may need to replace Mo Salah, and many fans are hoping that a left winger will be targeted too.

However, Arne Slot‘s team have struggled to progress the ball from deep positions since the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and having a player like Smit would solve that problem. Whether the youngster is worth over £50m, though, is another matter.

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