Charles De Ketelaere (L), of Atalanta, celebrates with his teammate Marten de Roon (R) in UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Charles De Ketelaere (L), of Atalanta, celebrates with his teammate Marten de Roon (R) in a UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid. (Photo by Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Aston Villa are reportedly keeping watch of one of the Serie A players of the season so far as Atalanta sit top of the Italian league.
Belgian playmaker Charles De Ketelaere has been one of the league leaders' best performers this season, putting up impressive numbers both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League. The 23-year-old has bagged eight goals and nine assists in all competitions as he revives his early career after a disappointing couple of years at AC Milan.
Breaking through at Club Brugge, De Ketelaere established himself as one of Europe's brightest young prospects before securing a big move to Milan. That move did not work out, however, as he struggled for form and minutes, but the attacking midfielder has since reminded the continent what he is capable of and become one of Italy's best performers this campaign as the Europa League champions lead the way. The ex-Milan man is second in the Serie A assist charts and joint-top in the same metric in the Champions League.
De Ketelaere's hot form has seen a host of clubs linked with his services with Villa being touted as one of those. According to CaughtOffside, the Villans are one of five English clubs 'keeping a watching brief' on the Belgium international. Others include Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Arsenal, with Liverpool and West Ham United also said to hold a strong interest.
Able to play as an attacking midfielder, right winger and even a centre forward, De Ketelaere is a versatile attacking player and one who would strengthen the Villa front line if Unai Emery and his colleagues were to step up their interest. The struggling form of Leon Bailey on the wing would provide opportunity for the Atalanta talisman to slot in, while he could also compete for a starting spot with the likes of Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Jhon Durán in the centre of the park.
With the latter of those three drawing links from other Italian side Napoli, who are second in the league behind the Black and Blues, De Ketelaere would be a top class replacement for Durán should Villa decide to sell.
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