Christian Falk reports that Arsenal may be in the strongest position for the potential transfer of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit at the moment, stating that the club is currently closer than other major clubs.

A report from Fichajes states that Arsenal and Liverpool are now the leading clubs in the effort to sign Kees Smit. The report adds that the two Premier League clubs have already advanced negotiations to sign the player in the summer. The report also claims that Kees Smit could have a transfer fee of up to €75 million.

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have taken initial steps to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit and are aiming to sign him ahead of Arsenal, Man Utd, and Real Madrid.

Arsenal are believed to be planning for the long term, and sources suggest the Gunners are already planning a potential move for Kees Smit for the summer of 2026. Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside that Arsenal, along with other clubs, explored potential deals for Kees Smit during the January transfer window. AZ Alkmaar has placed an initial valuation of approximately €60 million on the player, but that figure is widely expected to increase. The price could increase towards €75 million, with multiple Premier League clubs monitoring the situation. Kees Smit has publicly insisted that his attention remains on his performances for AZ.