BURNLEY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: David Moyes the head coach / manager of West Ham United receives information from Kevin Nolan and Paul Nevin first team coaches of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Burnley and West Ham United at Turf Moor on December 12, 2021 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
West Ham United have made contact with AC Milan about signing forward Charles De Ketelaere this summer, according to Daniel Speranza.
The Belgian forward had a torrid time in Serie A last season, failing to score a single goal in his 40 appearances for the club following a big-money move from Club Brugge in the summer.
That has left Milan open to his exit from the club and West Ham are one of three English clubs to have registered their interest in the player, with a fee of £25.7m considered to be enough to get a deal done.
“After West Ham and Crystal Palace, Everton have also conducted a poll for Charles De Ketelaere in the last few hours,” he wrote on his personal Twitter account (3 July).
“The Milan is firm on its requests: about €30 million (£25.7m) are needed. Reflections in progress by the English clubs.”
There is no doubt that De Ketelaere is an extremely talented player, having represented Belgium and played in the Champions League.
But after a really tough debut campaign in one of the big top five leagues and at the highest level, it’s also no surprise whatsoever that there are now some doubts about his quality.
AC Milan reached a Champions League semi-final a season after winning the league, but he was barely involved in that as he made no impact at all and if they want to keep progressing that makes his exit an option.
West Ham need attacking reinforcements for the new season with Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio’s futures up in the air, and he plays a more technical style of football that would suit the likes of Lucas Paqueta.
However physically he’s not the greatest and that is something David Moyes likes to have in his players all over the pitch, so it would be very interesting if this deal went any further than a simple enquiry.
