West Ham United Transfer News: West Ham United is mulling a trade that would send Gianluca Scamacca to AC Milan in exchange for Charles De Ketelaere
West Ham United Transfer News: Calciomercatoweb reports that Premier League club West Ham United is mulling a part-exchange deal that would send Italian star Gianluca Scamacca to AC Milan in return for Belgian international Charles De Ketelaere.
The young Belgian international is widely regarded as one of the top players in Europe. He recently made headlines by moving to San Siro from Club Brugge. De Ketelaere has not improved his performance and is not a first-team regular for Stefano Pioli’s squad.
This season, the teenager has played 35 times for the Rossoneri. Only 1136 total minutes have been spent on the field. Even getting back just one assist hasn’t improved things. As an offensive midfielder, he has been more of a disappointment than a success at the San Siro.
Milan is trying to retrieve as much of the €35 million they spent to acquire the player last summer before his value plummeted. West Ham is interested in signing the 22-year-old and has reportedly offered striker Gianluca Scamacca as compensation.
West Ham United Transfer News: West Ham United is mulling a trade that would send Gianluca Scamacca to AC Milan in exchange for Charles De Ketelaere
The Italian forward has struggled since making the €36 million move from Sassuolo to West Ham this past summer. Scamacca has failed to impress in his 27 appearances, scoring only eight goals. He may find renewed success if he moves back to the Serie A.
De Ketelaere is a versatile player who can operate in the middle or on the wing. He has the vision and passing range to succeed as a playmaker. It would be interesting to see how the Hammers would use him as number 10 on the field.
The Belgian isn’t a drop-in replacement for Declan Rice, but he might be useful to the Hammers anyway. To make room for De Ketelaere at 10, Lucas Paqueta might go back to central midfield. The 22-year-old’s high potential makes him a gamble worth considering despite doubts about his ability to succeed in the physically demanding English Premier League.
Next summer, the Rossoneri might benefit from adding a new striker. Both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Oliver Giroud are far beyond their prime. Divock Origi has also lied about his abilities, and he may leave next summer due to interest from Aston Villa.
Should Milan decide to move on from the Belgian, Pioli has possibilities for filling the void left by De Ketelaere. Brahim Diaz, now on loan from Real Madrid, can replace De Ketelaere, thus they want to keep him. Changing from Belgian to Scamacca is a win-win for both sides.
