CalcioMercato claim AC Milan are leading the race to sign Charles De Ketelaere ahead of Leeds – as well as Arsenal and Southampton – by offering a player-plus-cash deal including two Milan youngsters.
De Ketelaere, 21, is a top target for Leeds and the Whites have made an offer. The £30million bid has been accepted by Brugge, but the player himself wants to join Serie A champions Milan before the end of the summer window.
Recent reports also suggest Arsenal and Southampton are looking at the attacker. However, Milan are on pole with De Ketelaere preferring a move to Italy. The question mark is, can they match the financial power of English clubs.
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However, Milan are looking to bring the price for De Ketelaere down. That is, by including two players in the deal. They are 19-year-old Swedish striker Emil Roback, and 20-year-old Danish goalkeeper Andreas Jungdal.
MIlan leading Leeds in De Ketelaere race: Offering two youngsters
With De Ketelaere preferring a move to Milan, and the Italian club ready to include two young players in a deal for the Belgium international, Leeds look as good as buried. Arsenal and Southampton are yet to make an offer.
Of course, the Gunners are well-stocked in attack after signing Gabriel Jesus and keeping ex-Leeds man Eddie Nketiah. Southampton are about to lose Armando Broja after a loan. But they do not boast the pull of Leeds or Arsenal.
But as things stand, it looks as if Milan are going to win the race for De Ketelaere. That is of course, if Genk want both Jungdal and Roback. If they do not, Milan may struggle to stump up the necessary cash.
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