Mexico teenager Gilberto Mora is being tracked by Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Photo credit: Getty Images via ESPN.
Credit: Getty Images via ESPN
Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly monitoring 19-year-old Dutch midfielder Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar, with Crystal Palace emerging as frontrunners in the £20 million pursuit amid competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Chelsea and Manchester United Monitor Promising Dutch Midfielder Amid Growing European Interest
Chelsea and Manchester United have emerged as key contenders in the race to sign AZ Alkmaar’s highly-rated midfielder Kees Smit, with reports indicating both Premier League giants are actively scouting the 19-year-old Dutch talent valued at approximately £20 million. The growing interest from Europe’s elite clubs positions Smit as one of the most sought-after emerging talents in the current transfer market as of early October 2025.
Crystal Palace has reportedly stolen a march on their more illustrious rivals, with sources suggesting the Eagles show strong ambition to secure Smit’s signature ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Palace’s interest appears particularly strategic, with the midfielder potentially serving as a replacement for Adam Wharton, who himself remains a target for both Chelsea and Manchester United in their midfield reinforcement plans.
Smit’s impressive performances at youth and U21 international levels have drawn comparisons to established stars Kevin De Bruyne and Frenkie de Jong, reflecting his technical ability and tactical promise that has captured the attention of Europe’s top scouts. The £20 million valuation represents what clubs consider a reasonable investment for a player with such significant potential, though AZ Alkmaar’s stance on any potential departure remains undisclosed.
The competitive landscape has intensified throughout October, with Chelsea and United weighing their options carefully as part of broader midfield recruitment strategies. Palace’s potential advantage lies in offering Smit a clearer pathway to regular first-team football, which could serve as an attractive stepping stone before a future move to one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
However, all reported interest remains unconfirmed by official club statements, with no direct quotes from managers, player representatives, or the clubs themselves regarding concrete negotiations. The timeline for any potential resolution appears to extend into the coming weeks, with clubs formulating their strategies ahead of future transfer windows as the speculation continues to build around one of Dutch football’s most promising young talents.
