Charles De Ketelaere revealed he came close to joining Paris Saint-Germain from Atalanta this summer, but the Ligue 1 champions instead chose to sign Ferran Torres.

De Ketelaere joined Atalanta from AC Milan permanently two years ago following a productive loan spell in 2023-24, when he scored 14 goals in 50 outings in all competitions. 

Since his initial loan spell with Atalanta, only Nicolo Barella (251) and Federico Dimarco (283) have created more chances than De Ketelaere's 244 among Serie A players. 

The Belgium international has amassed 63 goal contributions in that time (32 goals, 31 assists). Only Christian Pulisic (68), Marcus Thuram (75) and Lautaro Martinez (90) have managed more, with De Ketelaere's performances attracting interest. 

PSG were credited with an interest in De Ketelaere this summer as they reshaped their attack, with Goncalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, Randal Kolo Muani and Kang-in Lee all departing the Parisiens.

Atlanta named a price of €50m for De Ketelaere, but PSG were unwilling to match that valuation, instead choosing to sign Ferran from Barcelona for a reported €48.5m fee. 

"Yes, I think it was around that amount," De Ketelaere confirmed. "But, we have to find a team that is willing to spend that amount.

"Several teams could do it in the Premier League, but it didn't happen. I spoke to PSG, but in the end they chose Ferran Torres. 

"I'm happy at Atalanta, I know how important it is to play regularly as a starter following my time with Milan.

"I'd like to fight for titles one day. I have that ambition, but I'm only 25 and still have time."

De Ketelaere is yet to score for Atalanta in his six outings across all competitions in 2026-27, with Maurizio Sarri's side sitting 11th in Serie A heading into the international break.

He did, however, provide an assist during Belgium's 2-0 win over Italy in the Nations League on Friday, teeing up Dodi Lukebakio's 69th-minute winner at the Stadio Olimpico. 

In what was Mark van Bommel's first game in charge of the Red Devils, only Kevin De Bruyne (five) created more chances than De Ketelaere (four), while the Atalanta midfielder also finished with team-high totals for successful dribbles (two), duels won (eight) and aerial duels won (two). 

Belgium's Nations League campaign continues on Monday against France, with a clash against Turkiye to come before they face Zinedine Zidane's side again on October 5.