Arsenal and Manchester United are both reportedly vying for the signature of Charles de Ketelaere, currently on loan at Atalanta from AC Milan.

EMPOLI, ITALY - OCTOBER 30: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC gestures during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and Atalanta BC at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 30, 2023 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 30: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC gestures during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and Atalanta BC at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 30, 2023 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Arsenal and Manchester United eye surprise move for Charles de Ketelaere

In a potentially significant development in the Premier League transfer market, both Arsenal and Manchester United are reported to be interested in securing the services of Charles de Ketelaere, currently on loan at Atalanta from AC Milan.

The Belgian attacking midfielder, who has had an encouraging start at Atalanta with one goal and two assists, has recently found himself out of favour in Gian Piero Gasperini’s team, partly due to physical issues.

However, this setback has not dampened the interest from the two Premier League giants, who are keen on strengthening their squads.

According to fichajes.net, the pursuit of De Ketelaere is a part of Arsenal and Manchester United‘s strategy to strengthen their teams. Despite his current challenges, De Ketelaere has previously attracted attention from Premier League clubs, and his experience in Italy has seemingly not lessened this interest.

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Belgium's Arthur Theate and Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere pictured during a training session of the Belgian national soccer team Red Devils, at the Royal Belgian Football Association's training center, in Tubize, Thursday 12 October 2023. The Red Devils are playing against Austria on Friday, match 6/8 in Group F of the Euro 2024 qualifications. BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Belgium’s Arthur Theate and Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere pictured during a training session of the Belgian national soccer team Red Devils, at the Royal Belgian Football Association’s training center, in Tubize, Thursday 12 October 2023. The Red Devils are playing against Austria on Friday, match 6/8 in Group F of the Euro 2024 qualifications. BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY (Photo by BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

The 23-year-old’s contract situation, however, presents a bit of a problem in any potential deal.

De Ketelaere is on a costly loan agreement with Atalanta, which includes a right-to-buy clause. Any move before June would require the consent of Atalanta, considering their current contractual rights over the player.

The scenario could shift in the summer, depending on whether Atalanta exercises their €23 million option to purchase De Ketelaere.

Should they choose to buy him, any potential suitors would then need to negotiate with Atalanta. Conversely, if De Ketelaere returns to Milan, negotiations would be undertaken with AC Milan instead.

De Ketelaere’s potential move to the Premier League represents an exciting prospect for both Arsenal and Manchester United. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and his experience in top-flight European football make him a valuable target for both clubs.

For Arsenal, the addition of a player like De Ketelaere could provide a fresh impetus in their quest for domestic and European success.

Similarly, Manchester United, under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, could see De Ketelaere as a crucial piece in their rebuilding efforts.

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