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Newcastle United and Arsenal are said to be bidding for Inter Milan midfielder Charles De Ketelaere in the next January transfer window.
De Ketelaere, who is currently on loan at Atalanta, has struggled at Milan, but his past record at Club Brugge suggests he has attacking potential.
While Atalanta have the option to sign De Ketelaere on a permanent basis, Newcastle’s desire could convince the 22-year-old Belgian to join the Premier League and help Eddie Howe’s offensive options.
Newcastle United have just become rivals to Arsenal, and they are pushing the Gunners for the signing of a highly regarded player, according to a new transfer claim.
Will Newcastle make any signings in January?
Eddie Howe’s players have had a difficult start to the 2023/24 season, unable to live up to the high expectations that followed their outstanding campaign the previous year.
While the 5-1 triumph over Aston Villa at home was thrilling to see, Newcastle followed it up with three straight Premier League defeats, raising early doubts about their top-four chances. Thankfully, last weekend’s 1-0 triumph against Brentford at St James’ Park, as well as Tuesday’s hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Milan in the Champions League, have helped to steady the ship.
The hope is that these last two results have gotten the Magpies’ season going, with a win at Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon indicating that they have turned the corner.
Newcastle will have the ability to make more acquisitions once the January transfer window opens, should Howe feel the need to do so, allowing them to enhance their team for the second half of the season and beyond. According to a new update on the Magpies’ transfer objectives, it appears that they are already looking for a prospective signing at that point.
Newcastle and Arsenal are both keeping an eye on Milan midfielder Charles De Ketelaere ahead of a potential winter transfer, according to Calciomercato [via Caught Offside].
Atalanta, who presently have him on their books for the season, are thought to have the option to buy the Belgian permanently for €30 million (£26.1 million) at the conclusion of the season if they so desire, although it remains to be seen whether they will exercise that option.
De Ketelaere is a highly rated prospect who has been much anticipated for some time, but his time at Milan has been disappointing since signing from Club Brugge last year. In 40 outings for the Serie A giants, he has failed to score.
While the 22-year-old has certainly had a difficult time, he could still be worth a gamble given his age and reputation previous to his move to Milan. De Ketelaere recorded 45 goal contributions (25 goals and 20 assists) in 120 games for Brugge, demonstrating his abilities, with former Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri praising him in the past, saying:
“I like De Ketelaere a lot.” It was enough for me to witness him play once for Belgium to recognize his abilities. He’s practical, beautiful, and razor-sharp. Maldini and Massara have made a fantastic signing.”
The fact that Atalanta could look to sign De Ketelaere on a permanent basis is clearly a concern, but if Newcastle try to sign him in January, the 13-cap Belgium international’s head could be turned by a move to the Premier League, and he could significantly boost Howe’s options in attacking midfield and forward area