Anthony Onifade

Thu 6 July 2023 19:40, UK

AC Milan are prepared to let attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere leave the club on loan this summer, handing Everton the perfect chance to seal an exciting opportunity in the market.

The Belgian international midfielder only arrived at the San Siro last summer in a deal worth a total of €35m (£30m), however, his future is already in doubt, following a disappointing campaign where he failed to score a single goal in 40 games in all competitions.

And according to journalist Daniel Speranza [3 July], the Toffees have made contact with AC Milan to sign him this summer, with Sean Dyche desperately on the prowl for a striker signing.

iNews reported on 7 June that Everton will be targeting the loan market and potential free agents in order to boost Dyche’s squad because of financial fair play restrictions, and in a new development at the San Siro, Everton have been given the chance to secure their much-needed attacking reinforcement.

According to Italian outlet Pianeta Milan [5 July], the Serie A giants are prepared to send the Belgian maestro out on loan this summer in order to make room for attacking targets.

And it is believed De Ketelaere’s agents are also reportedly pushing for a move away from Milan in a bid to revitalise the 23-year-old’s career and put him in contention for a call-up to Euro 2024 in Germany next summer.

Everton’s desperate need for attacking reinforcements were made evidently clear by their dreadful goalscoring record last season, hitting just 34 goals in 38 games – the second-worst record in the division.

And it’s certainly no hidden secret at Goodison Park that Dyche and sporting director Kevin Thelwell will be on the market to bolster their incredibly depleted attacking weaponry, and it’s certainly time for Thelwell to get his finger out and provide Dyche with the resources he needs to move the club forward next season.

De Ketelaere, despite his struggles in Milan, still represents and attractive and exciting transfer opportunity, especially on a potential loan deal.

Just over a year ago, the Belgium U21s international was viewed as a “highly rated” player by members of the media, and while he has failed to hit the heights expected of him with AC Milan, recording just one assist last season, it is still very early days in his career.

If the former Club Brugge man is able to reignite his form from the 2021-22 campaign, during which he registered 14 goals and seven assists in 33 Belgian Pro League outings, he could prove to be an excellent loan signing for Everton.

If we’re in the business of comparing current European wonderkids to former world-class stars and legends of the game, then De Ketelaere is a spitting footballing image of the Brazilian and AC Milan great, Kaka. Technically gifted, agile, quick off his feet, possesses a keen eye for a pass, silky on the ball and a player who really does know where the goal is even despite him not being an all-out number 9.

As well as his wonderful blend of techniques on the ball, what makes the Belgian playmaker so special is his incredible versatility, which could make him a hugely vital asset to Dyche at Goodison Park next season.

De Ketelaere hasn’t enjoyed the best of form since his big-money move last summer so it wouldn’t be wise for Everton to seek a transfer right now, but it would be deemed incredibly sensible and a smart acquisition should Thelwell manage to secure his services on loan, which may benefit all parties involved including AC Milan.

In other Everton news, Man City defender that Vincent Kompany loves is on Dyche’s radar for a Goodison Park move.