Fulham enter race for De Ketelaere as he ponders Atalanta move

The transfer saga involving AC Milan’s Charles de Ketelaere has taken an unexpected twist, with Fulham emerging as late contenders to snatch him away from Atalanta’s grasp. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Cottagers are preparing to move for the playmaker.

The news comes in the wake of Atalanta and Milan reportedly agreeing on terms for the transfer. 

They are awaiting De Ketelaere’s approval to finalise the move. He could join the Bergamo club on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy for around €23 million.

However, Fulham’s sudden intervention has added a new twist to proceedings.

De Ketelaere has engaged in discussions with Atalanta but is taking his time to carefully weigh up his options before committing to anything.

Milan’s willingness to let go of De Ketelaere comes after a lacklustre debut season in Italy. He failed to score and only recorded one assist in Serie A. 

Despite this, his potential and impressive record of 14 goals and nine assists in 39 games during his last season in the Belgian Pro League have not gone unnoticed.

Atalanta have the upper hand in the race with Fulham for De Ketelaere’s signature. They can offer Europa League football which could tempt him to join them.

Milan’s recent acquisitions of Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Yunus Musah and Tijjani Reijnders will limit the Belgian’s potential playing time.