West Ham United want to sign Charles De Ketelaere as loan and £25.6m developments emerge
West Ham want to sign AC Milan ace Charles De Ketelaere on loan, or for at least €30million (£25.6million) if permanent, according to Pianeta Milan.
The publication noted that the Hammers, along with Premier League rivals Everton and Crystal Palace, have asked his agents for information regarding the player.
Pianeta Milan added that his agents are pushing for a San Siro exit after a poor campaign from the attacker, where he failed to score in 40 appearances for the club.
“Milan could sell him on loan (Monza and Atalanta are already interested), but also outright,” according to Pianeta Milan. “If so, the doors to the Premier League could open for the Belgian.
“It seems, in fact, that three teams from the top English league, namely Crystal Palace, Everton and West Ham, have asked his entourage for information.
“The agents would push for De Ketelaere to leave. In fact, they wouldn’t want the boy to miss the Euro 2024 train in Germany if he doesn’t play for Milan. The valuation that Il Diavolo makes of him for a permanent sale is at least €30million.”
Go for it
West Ham need attacking reinforcements, with the Hammers falling short in that area last time out despite winning the Europa Conference League.
It was a superb moment for the East London club, but they know all too well that things will be brought up a notch next season when they are in the Europa League.
Staying in the Premier League will once again be the priority, but the Hammers should be pushing for a top-half finish in the competition as opposed to struggling in the bottom half.
They will also want to enjoy another fantastic European run, but both feats can only be achieved if they strengthen this summer.
And the claret and blue club could do a lot worse than handing De Ketelaere a fresh start after his disappointing campaign at AC Milan.
The versatile attacker proved that he is a top player in the right circumstances, having previously shone at Club Brugge.
In other West Ham news, a 10 July exit deadline has emerged as one club pushes to sign a Hammers ace this summer.