West Ham United have emerged as serious contenders in the race to sign Charles De Ketelaere, the promising forward currently plying his trade at Atalanta. Reports from The Hard Tackle indicate that the Hammers are keen to explore the possibility of acquiring the 23-year-old in the forthcoming transfer window, amidst growing interest from several Premier League rivals, including Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur.
De Ketelaere has rejuvenated his career at Atalanta following a challenging spell at AC Milan. His performances in Serie A have established him as a pivotal figure in the Atalanta squad, where he has captivated fans and scouts alike, scoring an impressive 17 goals in just 23 appearances. This remarkable form has attracted the attention of numerous top-tier clubs eager to secure his services.
West Ham are reportedly keen to assess De Ketelaere’s situation swiftly, believing he would fit seamlessly into their tactical setup. With uncertainty surrounding the future of star player Mohammed Kudus, the Hammers are looking to act decisively in the transfer market to secure a suitable replacement. De Ketelaere's versatility, enabling him to operate effectively both as a winger and in a central attacking role, makes him an attractive option for West Ham’s attacking ambitions.
Atalanta have set a price tag of £40 million on the Belgian international, creating a competitive environment as clubs vie for his signature. Liverpool, contemplating a potential future without their star forward Mohamed Salah, view De Ketelaere as a fitting alternative. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has publicly lauded the Atalanta forward for his adaptability and skill set, signalling the club’s serious interest. Tottenham, too, are intent on strengthening their attacking options and see De Ketelaere as a key target to enhance their squad depth.
As the transfer window approaches, the competition for De Ketelaere is heating up, with several clubs positioning themselves to make a significant move for the highly-rated forward. The coming weeks are likely to be crucial as clubs evaluate their strategies and approaches towards securing this young talent, with Aston Villa among those keen to make their mark.