Arsenal and Newcastle United are interested in acquiring the services of 22-year-old Atalanta attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere.
According to a report by Calciomercato.it, Arsenal and Newcastle United would love to have Charles De Ketelaere in their ranks. The 22-year-old has managed to revive himself at Atalanta after a disappointing season at AC Milan and is now back on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in world football.
De Ketelaere came through the ranks at Club Brugge. He made it to their first team back in 2019 and over the next three seasons, he made quite a name for himself while playing for the Belgian club. In the summer of 2022, AC Milan came calling and managed to acquire his services.
The 22-year-old had a nightmare season at Milan. He failed to get going after joining the Italian giants. The Belgian international featured in a total of 40 matches last season and all he could manage was an assist despite being on the pitch for close to 1,500 minutes.
He became surplus to requirements at the Italian club and they decided to part ways with the 22-year-old. Atalanta managed to strike a deal with Milan for his services. They decided to sign him on an initial loan deal with an option to buy for close to €30 million.
Atalanta decided to bet on him despite him having had a poor season last time out. And, the attacking midfielder has already repaid the faith of the club with three goal contributions. The former Club Brugge midfielder has been involved in five matches for the club and has been on the pitch for over 300 minutes. De Ketelaere recently bagged a goal in their win over Rakow in the UEFA Europa League.
Given his recent form, it looks likely that Atalanta could trigger the option to buy at the end of the season. While €30 million is a big price to pay for someone who was struggling last season, the Italian club will be confident about the deal because of their ability to sell.
They recently sold Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United for €75 million and they won’t rule out an immediate sale of the 22-year-old after signing him on a permanent basis. Arsenal and Newcastle United are two clubs interested in him and they could prise him away if he carries on in a similar fashion.
The Gunners have been doing wonders under Arteta and they are always on the look to reinforce their squad. Signing De Ketelaere will add depth to their midfield and his arrival will help them rotate Martin Ødegaard and even give him rest when needed. They have been monitoring him for a while and his return to form could force them into making a move.
But, they are not the only ones interested. Even Newcastle would love to have the Belgian international in their ranks. The Magpies have been doing sensational business in the recent transfer windows. They haven’t overspent and have signed some quality players. Adding De Ketelaere to their ranks will make them a lot more dangerous going forward and Eddie Howe will surely welcome such an addition.
