Report: Arsenal Monitoring Atalanta Playmaker | OneFootball

Arsenal Eyeing Charles De Ketelaere: A Transfer That Could Happen?

Arsenal are closely monitoring the progress of Charles De Ketelaere, the talented 23-year-old playmaker, after his resurgence at Atalanta. The Belgian international, who previously struggled at AC Milan, has rejuvenated his career in Serie A, catching the attention of Premier League clubs. Sources have indicated that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of the midfielder, alongside other top-tier teams like Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and West Ham.

Could this be the right moment for Arsenal to step in, or will other suitors steal the show?

Arsenal’s Interest in De Ketelaere

Arsenal’s growing interest in De Ketelaere has been sparked by his impressive performances this season at Atalanta. After a difficult time at AC Milan, where he failed to make the impact many had anticipated, the 23-year-old seems to be rediscovering his form. As Caught Offside reports, “Arteta is a big admirer of De Ketelaere,” but no formal approaches have been made yet by the Gunners.

Photo IMAGO

Despite his underwhelming time in Milan, De Ketelaere remains highly regarded for his creativity and versatility on the pitch. Arsenal, having lost some attacking depth in recent years, could benefit from a player with his skill set, adding both creativity and a dynamic edge to their midfield.

Competing for De Ketelaere’s Signature

While Arsenal fans may be hopeful, they are not alone in their pursuit of the Belgian playmaker. Clubs like West Ham have emerged as serious contenders. West Ham may act swiftly if they lose players like Lucas Paqueta or Mohammed Kudus. “West Ham could be a surprise name to watch in this saga,” and could even move faster than Arsenal if a vacancy arises.

Photo: IMAGO

However, should De Ketelaere have to choose between the Emirates and the London Stadium, “the Belgium international himself would surely choose the Emirates Stadium over the London Stadium” if the opportunity presents itself.

Can Arsenal Make This Happen?

Arsenal face a potential challenge in convincing Atalanta to part with their new star. Having already lost Teun Koopmeiners and facing interest in Ederson, Atalanta will likely be hesitant to offload more key players. Still, De Ketelaere’s potential move is one to watch. With Arsenal’s long-term midfield strategy under consideration, De Ketelaere could be a perfect fit.

Only time will tell if Arsenal can edge out their competitors to secure this exciting talent.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Charles De Ketelaere’s Performance Data

Charles De Ketelaere has seen a resurgence in his form, and his performance data over the last 365 days reveals why he’s attracting interest from Premier League clubs like Arsenal and West Ham. The Belgian’s statistical profile shows impressive versatility, which has made him a key figure at Atalanta.

Playmaking and Creativity

De Ketelaere shines in key attacking metrics, with his shot-creating actions (98th percentile) and assists (97th percentile) ranking him among the elite forwards in Europe. His ability to deliver in advanced areas is also reflected by his expected assists (xAG), where he again places in the 97th percentile. Furthermore, his non-penalty expected goals (npxG) plus expected assisted goals (xAG) rank him in the 91st percentile, highlighting his dual threat in both goal-scoring and playmaking.

His proficiency in possession is another standout feature. De Ketelaere boasts an impressive 99th percentile for progressive passes and 96th percentile for progressive carries. These statistics illustrate his ability to drive the team forward, a crucial attribute for any attacking midfielder.

Defensive Contributions

What sets De Ketelaere apart is his defensive work rate. Typically, forward players aren’t known for their defensive abilities, but De Ketelaere ranks in the 94th percentile for tackles and interceptions. He also ranks high in clearances (97th percentile) and blocks (94th percentile), making him a well-rounded option who can contribute off the ball as much as on it.

Versatility and Future Potential

Charles De Ketelaere’s statistical profile portrays a forward capable of influencing multiple phases of play. With top-tier numbers across attacking, possession, and defensive metrics, it’s easy to see why clubs are eyeing him for a Premier League move.