Arsenal target 'Kai Havertz 2.0'

Cameron Smith

• 17 Oct 2024 10:00 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are monitoring the progress of Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere as they look to bolster their forward line in 2025.

The Gunners were heavily linked with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen during the most recent summer window, but they were unable to finalise an agreement with a new number nine.

However, Gabriel Jesus continues to be linked with an exit and following Eddie Nketiah’s summer move to Crystal Palace, Arsenal are set to sign a new forward in 2025.

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Sesko remains on Arsenal’s transfer wish-list, but they are also eyeing a possible move for De Ketelaere, according to CaughtOffside.

The 23-year-old endured a tough spell at AC Milan in 2022-23, however he has revived his career at Atalanta and is now on the radar of multiple top Premier League clubs.

As per CaughtOffside, Arsenal are set to face competition from Manchester City, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, with De Ketelaere set to be involved in a transfer tug-of-war next summer.

The Belgium international only has one goal in 10 Atalanta appearances so far this season, but has netted 14 goals and provided 11 assists during his debut campaign at the club in 2023-24.

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Charles De Ketelaere: The next Kai Havertz?

De Ketelaere has frequently drawn comparisons to Arsenal star Kai Havertz since his breakthrough at Club Brugge, with the pair sharing several similar traits, including their frame, preferred position, style of play and strong foot.

Upon the Belgian’s move to Milan in 2022, Stefano Pioli told reporters (as per SempreMilan): “I asked Origi, his international team-mate, about him, and he said: ‘He is half Havertz and half Kaka’.”

After a slow start to life at Arsenal, Havertz has burst into life in 2024 and he has 13 goals and seven assists in his last 21 Premier League appearances for the Gunners.