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AC Milan 'marquee signing' Charles De Ketelaere offered to Aston Villa, pundit shares transfer verdict
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton wants to see Aston Villa sign new forwards this summer amid speculation linking AC Milan’s Charles De Ketelaere with a move to the West Midlands.
The Daily Mail reported on 13 July that AC Milan are ready to sell the 22-year-old Belgium international this summer for £25million after a rotten debut season in Italy.
De Ketelaere join Milan as a “marquee signing” from Club Brugge for almost £35million last year. However, his first season at the San Siro ended goalless despite making 40 appearances across all competitions.
De Ketelaere has now been offered to Villa as AC Milan look to balance their books.
The Brugge-born attacker is versatile and can play as a striker, a number 10 or a winger.
Hutton would like to see Unai Emery add a player like that to his squad to help boost players like Ollie Watkins.
“It’s an area they have to strengthen,” Hutton told Villa News when talking about the forward options at Villa Park.
“Ollie Watkins has done incredibly well but Danny Ings has left the club and I think they need reinforcements.
“Jhon Duran’s come in but he’s young and probably one for the future so they need someone who can come in right now and not only challenge Watkins but also take some of the weight off his shoulders.
“De Ketelaere is an option. He’s been playing at a good level and he’s young and up and coming.
“He’ll be one of a number of targets they’ll be looking at.
“It’s the hardest position to fill, the number nine role because it’s the biggest transfer fees normally and the biggest wages.
“It’s always difficult but I’m sure they’ll have a number of targets to look at.”
In other Aston Villa news, the club’s received a kick in the teeth over this £8.5million transfer reveal.