AC Milan agree €36m deal for the signing of Charles De Ketelaere

AC Milan have reached an agreement with Club Brugge over the transfer of top target Charles De Ketelaere, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Both the clubs have been locked in intense negotiations over the last few days, and a breakthrough has been found at last.

Milan will pay €36 million including add-ons for the services of the Belgian prospect, who will pen a five-year deal.

Leeds United were also interested in De Ketelaere, however he only preferred to move to San Siro.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is said to have played a part in the deal after holding talks with De Ketelaere’s agent Tom de Mull, who also happens to be the Swede’s former teammate at Ajax.

The 21-year-old is expected to have his medical on Sunday or Monday.

De Ketelaere will mark Milan’s second signing following the arrival of Divock Origi on a free transfer from Liverpool.

The Belgian youngster is coming off a prolific season with Club Brugge – 18 goals and ten assists in all competitions – and will look to build on it at San Siro.

Stefano Pioli can benefit from De Ketelaere’s versatility, as he has the ability to perform in a wide variety of roles.

The Belgian youngster is more likely to be deployed as the N0.10 following Brahim Diaz’s disappointing campaign last term.

However, with Olivier Giroud, Ante Rebic and Origi the only striker options available and Ibrahimovic also out injured, De Ketelaere can chip in as a centre-forward if needed.

The Rossoneri are also working on a deal to bring Hakim Ziyech to San Siro, with Chelsea reportedly open to accepting a cut-price fee.