Arsenal and Tottenham’s rivalry could extend off the pitch in the transfer market as both teams are said to be interested in the same player, as per reports from Italian outlet Milan Live, the north London rivals are both weighing up moves for Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere.
The 23-year-old Belgian has been in impressive form for his club this season and has played a key role in ensuring they are close to the top in Serie A as they challenge for the title. Clubs across Europe have been impressed with De Ketelaere’s resurrection to top form after a turbulent spell with AC Milan.
As a result, top Premier League sides Arsenal and Tottenham are circling around the player with hopes of signing him. The player’s versatility, young age, and also relatively lower price-tag seem to make him a viable option for the north London rivals. Both clubs are in need of depth in midfield and in attack, with Charles De Ketelaere seemingly a two-for-one option.
De Ketelaere’s qualities that can benefit Arsenal
Standing at 6-foot-4, De Ketelaere is still quite an agile and nimble player who can create space for himself. Physically, his profile is quite similar to that of Kai Havertz’s, and they both can play as the lone striker as well as in midfield. This could tempt Arsenal as the Belgian would seamlessly fit into their system.
Additionally, De Ketelaere can also be deployed as a wide forward and could offer cover for the Gunners’ wingers. He is also left-footed, meaning he would be a like-for-like replacement for someone like Martin Odegaard when the Norwegian needs rest.
A true team player in every sense of the word, De Ketelaere is great at bringing his teammates into the game and also contributes in the final third. He has racked up 10 goals and nine assists in 24 appearances across competitions this season, including three goals and four assists in six Champions League matches.
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His €50 million price-tag also seems well within Arsenal and Tottenham’s reach, and as per the aforementioned report, the two clubs will be all over this deal come next summer.
