AC Milan are close to completing the signing of Charles De Ketelaere but that means Hakim Ziyech is unlikely to arrive, according to our information.
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As we reported yesterday, technical director Paolo Maldini asked Elliott Management for consent to raise the offer to Club Brugge for De Ketelaere to €35m including bonuses, and he obtained permission to do so.
Elliott’s yes
As our colleagues at SempreMilan.it report, that offer has reached its destination and now the definition of the deal is one step away. In the next few hours the response from the Belgian club will arrive and it is expected to be positive. After that, the clubs will proceed to the exchange of documents and the long-awaited departure of De Ketelaere to Italy for his medical examinations.
The saga around the 21-year-old’s future has been ongoing for most of the summer, but it is understandable that he is in demand given he scored 18 goals and added 10 assists from his advanced midfield role last season, with TEAMtalk detailing how Leeds United have tried and failed to persuade him.
No to Ziyech
However, as reported by Il Giornale, Elliott Management do not seem willing to inject new liquidity to give Maldini and Massara the opportunity to also sign Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech who remains destined to be an alternative to De Ketelaere.
The American fund are in the last transfer window of their ownership as Gerry Cardinale will take over with RedBird Capital in September, so any large expenses can be ruled out.
