West Ham United transfer update emerges in Charles De Ketelaere chase
West Ham can make a move to sign Atalanta attacker Charles De Ketelaere in the January transfer window, according to Caught Offside.
The news outlet reported that their sources note he’s valued at £40million and is on the radar of the other Premier League sides as well.
The Belgium international has been earmarked a replacement for Mohammed Kudus who has been linked with an exit in January with Arsenal even ready to make a bid. [Sebastien Vidal]
West Ham must consider keeping Mohammed Kudus at the club
Signing De Ketelaere from Atalanta in January represents a significant risk for the Hammers, primarily because De Ketelaere lacks experience in the Premier League.
Although he has shown promise in Serie A, adapting to the fast-paced and physically demanding English top flight could pose challenges for the young Belgian.
Moreover, using him as a direct replacement for Kudus is a gamble, especially considering the Ghana international’s pivotal role in the team.
The 24-year-old has become one of the club’s standout performers, contributing both goals and creativity, which makes his potential departure a substantial loss.
Losing such a key player would weaken their squad significantly.
It is imperative for the Irons to retain Kudus, as his familiarity with the league, understanding of the team’s tactics and direct impact on matches are invaluable.
The £40million price tag for De Ketelaere adds another layer of risk, questioning whether the investment would yield immediate returns or if it’s better spent on securing Kudus’s future at the club.
In other West Ham news, an in-demand manager fancies the job at London Stadium instead of taking over at Everton.
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