Manchester City have reportedly identified Atalanta BC star Charles de Ketelaere as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.
After struggling in the first half of the campaign, Man City used the winter transfer window as an opportunity to start the rebuild of Pep Guardiola's squad.
They bolstered their defence with the additions of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, while also recruiting midfielder Nico Gonzalez and forward Omar Marmoush before the transfer market closed at the start of February.
The Citizens are expected to continue their rebuild in the summer market, especially as they made to replace the experience and quality of De Bruyne.
As it stands, the Belgium international will walk away from the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires at the end of the season.
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Man City identify De Ketelaere as De Bruyne replacement
While he could sign a new contract, Man City appear to be scouring the market to find a replacement in the event that the 33-year-old departs in the summer.
According to TBR Football, Man City are considering Atalanta's Ketelaere as a viable contender to replace De Ketelaere.
The reigning Premier League champions view De Bruyne's compatriot as a 'player of real interest' ahead of the summer transfer window.
De Bruyne is allegedly favouring a move to MLS should he decide against signing a new Man City contract.
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Who is De Ketelaere?
De Ketelaere moved through the youth ranks at Belgian side Club Brugge, before he went on to make 87 competitive appearances for the first team, scoring 25 goals and providing 22 assists.
After building a reputation as a highly-rated prospect, the attacking midfielder earned himself a move to Italian giants AC Milan in the summer of 2022.
However, what should have been a dream move turned into a nightmare as De Ketelaere mustered just one goal contribution in 40 matches for the Rossoneri.
The 23-year-old was allowed to move on loan to Atalanta for the 2023-24 season, registering 14 goals and 11 assists in 50 competitive appearances to showcase the sort of talent that he demonstrated at Club Brugge.
He helped Gian Piero Gasperini's side win the Europa League, reach the Coppa Italia final and achieve a top-four finish in Serie A.
De Ketelaere has continued to enjoy regular game time since making his loan move permanent in the summer, having scored 11 goals and contributed 11 assists in 37 matches in all competitions this season.
