Aston Villa are reportedly considering making an offer for AC Milan midfielder Charles De Ketelaere, as Unai Emery and Monchi aim to strengthen the squad’s attacking options.
There have been links with numerous attacking players including Joao Felix and Moussa Diaby, and now the 22-year-old Milan midfielder has emerged as a possible target.
De Ketelaere arrived at the San Siro from Club Brugge on a big-money deal last year, but has had a nightmare debut season for the Rossoneri, with zero goals and one assist in 40 games across all competitions.
Gazzetta Dello Sport in Italy have now claimed that Villa are considering a €25m (£21.3m) offer for the attacking midfielder, in the hope that a change in environment could see him return to his best form at Villa Park.
This valuation falls just short of Milan’s €30m (£25.6m) valuation, but it appears that they are willing to let him go, following the arrival of Christian Pulisic.
Should Villa move for De Ketelaere?
There may be some worry over his form at Milan, and how difficult it would be for the player to recover from such a poor slump.
He arrived in Milan with high expectations, as one of the most expensive signings in the history of one of the biggest clubs in the World, but never got going despite Milan reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
De Ketelaere lit up Belgium prior to his big move, providing 45 goals and assists in 120 games for Club Brugge, and was described as “elegant” by Claudio Ranieri ahead of his transfer to Milan.
The Belgium international is capable of playing in midfield, on the wings and even as a central striker given his height, standing at around six foot two, and if he can return to his best form, he could be an excellent asset for Villa.
However, it would be a huge risk to spend such a significant sum on an attacking player whose attacking output has dropped to almost zero within a year.
