Manchester United are on the lookout for a goalscorer in the summer who fits with what Ruben Amorim is trying to build here at Old Trafford.
And Teamtalk have mentioned Charles de Ketelaere as one player who has caught the club’s eye with his performances in both the Serie A and Champions League for Atalanta.
The Belgian, who moved to Bergamo permanently last summer, has 11 goals and 11 assists already this season and is on course to enjoy his most prolific season to date.
He can play as a striker, an attacking midfielder as well as out wide and would be a great fit for Amorim’s system.
De Ketelaere on United’s radar
The Belgium international is only 23, which fits INEOS’ recruitment model, and has a current market value of €38 million, relatively cheap for someone of his talents.
United’s biggest challengers for his signature is expected to be cross-town rivals Manchester City, who have an “extensive file” on the former AC Milan man.
They have been observing him for over two years now and Pep Guardiola considers him to be the perfect replacement for Kevin de Bruyne, who is expected to depart the Etihad Stadium once his contract runs out in the summer.
Atalanta do not want to lose their talisman but De Ketelaere had already turned down interest from multiple English clubs last year but he will not let go of such a chance again.
“Manchester City could face competition from Manchester United for Atalanta star Charles de Ketelaere, TEAMtalk understands, with a bidding war between the rivals possible this summer.
“Sources state that Man City have an ‘extensive file’ on the Belgian international and have shortlisted him as a potential option to replace Kevin De Bruyne.
United vs City for De Ketelaere
“Atalanta view De Ketelaere as a key player. They signed him permanently last summer after an initial loan from AC Milan. Despite rival interest from the Premier League, he chose to stay at Atalanta.
“TEAMtalk understands that this summer could be different, however, as his performances in the Serie A and Champions League have drawn more attention.”
Interestingly, his former club Milan included a 10% sell on clause into his deal which could potentially lead to a rise in price while a bidding war would suit Atalanta just fine.
United have a great relationship with the Bergamo-based outfit having completed deals for Amad and Rasmus Hojlund in the past and that could potentially aid the Old Trafford side in their endeavour to land the versatile forward.
The Red Devils could land a killer blow on the Spanish manager’s hopes by landing the Belgian ace ahead of City, something INEOS will have in mind.
Feature image Alex Bierens de Haan via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
