Arsenal might have got a huge transfer boost in their pursuit of long-term target Hakan Calhanoglu as the player reportedly expressed his desire to play in either England or Italy. The Bayer Leverkusen star has been on the priority list for many top European sides over the past few years and now with a realistic chance of his departure visible, it is bound to create a storm in the transfer market.
Arsenal are in need of a quality playmaker surely, but unless their star duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil leave Emirates, it is not any grave concern. The huge transfer chest that is sanctioned to Arsene Wenger for the summer war, could be way better used to get in a quality striker, which looks an absolute prerequisite before next season now.
But, Calhanoglu’s availability would surely tempt Arsene Wenger to go for him if he gets him for the right price, as his quality remains unquestioned. And here is the catch. Reportedly, the Turkish playmaker, who has a reported £32.5 million release clause stuck to his name, is quite unlikely to fetch it for the club. Chelsea had tabled a bid of £17 million previously and the player had even agreed to the move before the German side rejected it.
Which indicates that Arsenal could push in for a chance in the region of £20 million that would be a cut-price deal for a player of his calibre. His decision to move away from Germany clearly reflects his unwillingness to stay with his current side, and the recent ban he incurred from FIFA for breaching contract protocols have worsened the situation.
He sat the final four months of the season and many believe, he has already played his last game for the club. Arsenal have a world class option in Ozil, but his inconsistency every season and lack of impact in big games could lead to the club refusing his contract demands. With Arsenal already linked with Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez, Calhanoglu could be yet another option on that list for the manager.
The attacking midfielder moved to Germany back in 2014 from Bundesliga side Hamburg SV on a hyped transfer and has since scored 28 goals and provided 29 assists in over 100 games. Making his international debut in 2013 for Turkey when he was only 19-year-old, Calhanoglu has since been a regular figure having 26 caps so far, and scoring eight goals.
However, If Arsenal do manage to land him, his inaction over the past few months could be a worry as he would take a longer period to adapt to the playing style.
