It is no secret that Everton want to and need to bolster their attack. The Toffees’ struggling attack was one of the main reasons why they got into the relegation battle last season. The lack of goals, lack of goalscorers and lack of creators contributed to EFC’s worries while going forward. Everton can solve this issue to some extent by signing AC Milan’s Charles De Ketelaere.
Back when Carlo Ancelotti was the Everton manager, the Toffees had some excellent creators in the form of James Rodriguez and Gylfi Sigurdsson. Even Lucas Digne was adept at creating chances from the left flank by swinging in delightful crosses. However, the current side lacks a reliable creator with only source of inspiration coming from Alex Iwobi.
The Nigerian has been EFC’s best creator, creating 64 chances in the 2022-23 season, the highest of any Everton player. Iwobi was also the assist leader for the Merseysiders with seven in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup. A lot of problems will be solved if EFC sign a potent striker. However, creating more chances in the game will also increase the odds of strikers finding the back of the net more often.
Everton enquire about AC Milan attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere
Milan signed De Ketelare last summer from Club Brugge for €35 million. His mighty impressive performances in the 2021-22 season saw him earn a move to the Italian giants. Sadly, the Belgian has failed to replicate the Brugge form at San Siro. The attacking midfielder played a total of 40 games this season and failed to find the back of the net even once and just recording one assist throughout the season.
He slipped down the pecking order with Brahim Diaz operating as the primary attacking midfielder. He also played on the right flank and secondary striker but his impact was very limited. Now, Milan are hoping to offload the Belgian as they are in pursuit of Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze.
According to Pianeta Milan, the Rossoneri are open to offloading De Ketelaere on loan or even selling him permanently this summer. The 22 year old has admirers from the Premier League and Serie A. In Italy, Monza and Atalanta have shown interest to take him on loan whereas Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham United have been named suitors from England.
EFC have asked about De Ketelaere and his entourage are pushing for a move this summer. His agents do not want him to miss the EURO 2024 and for that to happen, he must play regularly. AC Milan do not mind a loan exit but if a side is keen to sign him permanently, they will have to shell out €30 million. Given Everton’s poor financial condition, a loan deal would be a sensible option at this point.
Should the Toffees sign Charles De Ketelaere?