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`Atalanta president Antonio Percassi revealed the club's summer transfer plans following the Europa League semi-final clash against Marseille.
Atalanta president Antonio Percassi made a declaration following their historic Europa League semi-final triumph over Marseille, and the content of the announcement is expected to come as a huge boost for Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze.
Following the triumph over the Ligue 1 outfit, the Bergamo-based club advanced to their first-ever European final. Fueled by the thrill, the club’s president announced they would be signing Charles De Ketalaere permanently from AC Milan.
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What Percassi said
"We will sign De Ketelaere,” Percassi confirmed, per Milan Report. “Gasperini's renewal? We have another year of contract with the coach. It is impossible for anyone to come and take him away from us. If he wants to leave, then we will sit down to talk, with great regret. We do not intend to modify the agreement."
The 23-year-old Belgium international joined Atalanta on loan from AC Milan in the summer and has been immense in La Dea’s successes this season, prompting the club to desire his continuation.
He has scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in all competitions this campaign, making him one of the top contributors in that regard for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
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How it helps Chukwueze
AC Milan signed Charles from Club Brugge for a sizable €36.50 million fee, according to TransferMarkt; however, he struggled to fit into Stefano Pioli’s system, failing to score in 40 games for the Rossoneri.
With Pioli heading out come season’s end and the significant outlay required to bring De Ketelaere to the club, the new manager would have had to fit him in, which could threaten Chukwueze’s game time.
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The Nigerian himself struggled to settle in Milan after the move from Villarreal, as he could not displace the on-form Pulisic on the right-wing. However, a tweak towards the end of the season from Pioli, playing Pulisic as the number 10, and Chukwueze on the flank saw the 24-year-old rack up game time, improving his showing.
De Ketelaere prefers to operate in that hole just behind the striker, and a return could complicate Chukwueze’s status.
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