AC Milan’s pursuit of Club Brugge’s incredibly talented striker Charles De Ketelaere resembles a tug-of-war contest where both competitors are equally strong and equally stubborn. With the opening day of the 2022/23 season just two weeks away, the Rossoneri are finally close to securing their priority transfer target. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6534684##Relying on the experience of Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped Milan to reach their 19th Scudetto. Still, the fresh blood of young players like Rafael Leao and Sandro Tonali made the difference in the end. To build on the success achieved last term, head coach Stefano Pioli relies on the club’s technical director Paolo Maldini to get fitting recruits through the door.The 21-year-old striker is considered one of the top prospects in the game – and it’s safe to say that Milan have thrown everything they’ve got into completing the deal. Even though it’s been dragging on for over a month, it now looks like it’s only a matter of time before the young Belgian poses in front of clicking cameras holding a red and black-striped shirt. However, in the meantime, De Ketelaere should demonstrate a bit more professionalism.##NAJAVA_MECA_6536181##According to Belgian news site HLN, Club Brugge and Milan have agreed on a $35 million fee for the youngster, but it’s Charles’ bad behaviour that’s making the news. The eight-times Belgium international no longer wants to train with his current team! On Wednesday, during the first squad training of the week, he only completed part of the training, going through the motions, before the annoyed coaches told him that it’s best for him to sit out the rest of the session. The next day, he didn’t train at all. It looks like even he’s had enough of the transfer saga and only wants it to be over.Charles De Ketelaere is a step closer to signing for Milan. He’s given up part of his salary (unclear whether it’s part of his salary at Club Brugge or his salary at Milan) to bring the clubs closer to an agreement 🔴⚫️🇧🇪📰 via Di Marzio pic.twitter.com/kGUdxCDnVU— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) July 28, 2022 De Ketelaere is set to become Milan’s second arrival of the close season after Kenyan boy Divock Origi signed on a free transfer from Liverpool. The Rossoneri have also made the loan moves of Junior Messias and Alessandro Florenzi permanent.The Serie A holders have also been linked with a move for Hakim Ziyech, who is out of favour at Chelsea. Pioli will pray that all the business is conducted in time for their opening match with Udinese on Saturday, 13 August. San Siro will greet the champions – and hopefully, the wonderboy De Ketelaere will be donning the red and black shirt.
