‎De Ketelaere reveals PSG talks before Ferran Torres move

Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere has revealed that he held preliminary discussions with Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window.

‎PSG prioritized signing a number nine in the summer following the departure of Gonzalo Ramos. The Ligue 1 champions ultimately secured the signature of Ferran Torres from Barcelona.

‎However, things could have been different if Atalanta reduce the €50 million valuation of De Ketelaere, who remains under contract in Bergamo until June 2028.

‎The 25-year-old Belgium international in an interview with Belgian publication DH Les Sports, addressed his summer discussions with PSG and the steep asking price set by his current employers.

‎Confirming the interest from the French capital, De Ketelaere explained: “I spoke with PSG, but they ultimately chose Ferran Torres.”

‎Reflecting on Atalanta’s reported refusal to sanction a sale below €50m, he added: “Yes, I think there was talk of a figure close to that. But you need to find a team willing to pay it. In the Premier League there are several clubs that can do it, but in the end nothing materialised.”

Charles De Ketelaere looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta. (Photo by sportinfoto/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

‎Rather than dwell on the collapsed move, the Belgian stressed that regular minutes in Serie A matter far more at this stage of his career than making a hasty step up. He continued: “I am happy at Atalanta. I know how important it is to start after my experience at AC Milan. One day I would like to challenge for trophies. I have that ambition, but I am 25 and I still have time.”

‎Atalanta have not hit the ground running this season, a return of six points from five matches has left them languishing in 11th place in Serie A.

‎De Ketelaere is also under increasing scrutiny to sharpen his end product, with only one assist to his credit this term.