According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Everton have joined Leeds and Arsenal in the race to bring Charles De Ketelaere to the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Leeds had satisfied Club Brugge with a £30m bid for the Belgium international.
However, De Ketelaere himself is holding out for a move to AC Milan, who are keen to sign him, but have only offered £17m as things stand.
Now, there is a new challenger for the 21-year-old’s signature, as Everton get involved.
Gazzetta dello Sport (print version via Radio Rossonera) believe AC Milan are preparing a package which will see their offer potentially reach £30m in add-ons, although their lack of speed in negotiations has encouraged Frank Lampard to get involved.
Arsenal are also keen to sign De Ketelaere – all three Premier League sides involved have greater financial might than AC Milan, so the Belgian may have to put his desire to join the Italian giants on ice.
In fairness to Paolo Maldini, he isn’t giving up on the Brugge-born wonderkid, and is prepared to offer two AC Milan players, as well as cash, in his next attempt to satisfy Club Brugge.
Interest in De Ketelaere comes after he impressively scored 18 goals in 49 games last season, while also providing ten assists.
Leeds, Everton & Arsenal have a problem
In our view, Jesse Marsch, Lampard and Mikel Arteta are pursuing the wrong option.
As talented as De Ketelaere is, he has his heart set on a move to AC Milan, so any switch to the Premier League would be a backup option for him.
Leeds also accept that he would only be using them as a stepping stone before leaving for better things in a few years, so in that respect, his arrival may just be a glorified loan move – if the Whites do secure his signature.
The same probably goes for Arsenal and Everton with AC Milan his preferred destination, so in our view, it isn’t worth splashing out a significant sum on a player who has little desire to join.
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