Report: Arsenal once again looking at signing 'complete' midfielder who they enquired about two years ago
Today at 07:45 AM
Arsenal were active in the summer transfer window and made four signings as Mikel Arteta continues to revolutionise his squad.
Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino joined the club permanently, while Raheem Sterling and Neto agreed season-long loan moves to the Emirates Stadium on deadline day.
A handful of long-serving players like Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe departed in search of regular game-time, with the Gunners also raising funds for potential future reinforcements through their sales.
Arteta and Arsenal have always kept an eye on their future and if reports are to be believed, they are watching a player who they wanted to sign two years ago.
Arsenal admire Atalanta midfielder Charles De Ketelaere
Arsenal enquired about Charles De Ketelaere before his move to AC Milan in the summer of 2022.
Since then, the Belgian has moved on to Atalanta after a lukewarm spell at the San Siro and has started to come into his own in recent seasons for club and country.
De Ketelaere has been described as a ‘complete’ player by Club Brugge icon Gert Verheyen, a club where the 23-year-old made a name for himself and is currently a key player for Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are keeping an eye on the towering midfielder, with Mikel Arteta described as a huge fan of the player.
The likes of Manchester City, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in De Ketelaere, although the report confirms that none of the clubs have made contact with Atalanta so far.
Do Arsenal need a player like De Ketelaere?
Arsenal’s interest seems to be long-standing and they could do well with a player like him as Martin Odegaard is their only naturally creative asset in midfield.
De Ketelaere’s potential arrival would allow Arsenal to rotate the Norwegian and the Belgian could also play in other positions in attack due to his versatility, making him an intriguing option to have within the squad.
However, Atalanta will drive a hard bargain to part with one of their prized assets so it remains to be seen if the Gunners step ahead with their pursuit.
