Karetsas: Borussia Dortmund Raise the Stakes, Milan Risk Missing Out on the Belgian Talent
On the transfer front, alarm bells are ringing at AC Milan over Arne Engels Karetsas, the young Genk talent the Rossoneri have been tracking closely for months. The situation, however, is growing more complicated: Borussia Dortmund have upped the ante, with the German club’s sporting director making it clear that a new, significant economic offer is on its way — reportedly in the region of €40 million.
A clear signal that the Bundesliga side means business. While Milan appeared to be leading the race for the Belgian midfielder a few weeks ago, the competition has now become considerably fiercer. In a transfer market that rewards those who act quickly and decisively, every day of hesitation can prove costly.
Why Karetsas Is So Important to Amorim’s Project
AC Milan have a real need for quality and creativity in midfield. The Celtic friendly confirmed that the Rossoneri engine room requires players capable of beating opponents, creating numerical superiority and bringing unpredictability to the attacking play. Karetsas, born in 2006, is precisely that type of player: technical, dynamic, with a vision of the game well beyond his years.
Head coach Rúben Amorim wants to build a side that plays vertical, quality-driven football, and a profile like the Belgian’s fits perfectly into the Portuguese manager’s philosophy. It is no coincidence that AC Milan had already re-engaged the player’s agents in recent weeks, keeping the Genk talks alive.
Outgoings Must Accelerate: The Key to Unlocking the Market
The issue is well known: Milan must sell before they can buy. The squad is still bloated and several players are available for transfer, but negotiations are moving at a pace that risks undermining the club’s plans. Among the names under discussion are Pervis Estupiñán — still in limbo with Aston Villa — and Samuele Ricci, an Italian midfielder from whom Milan could raise around twenty million euros to reinvest in profiles better suited to Amorim’s system.
Ismaël Bennacer also appears close to leaving the club, and his departure could free up significant funds. Every positive outgoing deal completed is another piece of the puzzle in building the new team.
It is late July and time is running short. The summer window does not last forever, and the competition — as the Karetsas situation demonstrates — is not waiting around. AC Milan have the tools to close important deals, but they must show speed and determination in the weeks ahead.
The Clock Is Ticking: A Quick Move Is Essential
The club’s leadership is fully aware of the situation. As already demonstrated by Gerry Cardinale’s surprise visit to Milanello — a genuine blitz by the owner to unlock the transfer market — the will to act is there. Now those intentions need to translate into concrete results on the market.
Karetsas is a long-term investment, a player who could grow exponentially under Amorim’s guidance and become a cornerstone of the Rossoneri midfield for years to come. Losing him to Borussia Dortmund would mean falling back on less exciting alternatives. Milan believe in him, the fans are hoping — now it is up to the club’s leadership to make the right move.
