In a recent report, Il Milanista has stated that Arsenal are locked in a three-way battle for AC Milan playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu this summer. It has been revealed that the Turkish attacker’s contract talks with AC Milan have come to a standstill which could open the door for the Gunners along with Juventus and Chelsea to seal a move for him at the end of this campaign (via Il Milanista).
Calhanoglu’s Brilliant Form In Italian Football This Season
The 27-year-old is having another impressive season at San Siro as he has been responsible for putting in several match-winning displays as a key member of Stefano Pioli’s attack. Calhanoglu has netted eight goals and secured 11 assists in 37 matches for the Italian outfit this term across multiple competitions.
The Turkey international has been a consistent performer for the Milan giants after averaging 2.5 shots, 3.2 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per game in the Serie A. He has also been exceptional when distributing possession in the opponent’s half, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 83.7% in the Italian top tier (stats via whoscored).
The Mannheim-born sensation is currently playing some of the best football of his playing career, so Arsenal will do well to win the race to secure his signature when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.
Will Calhanoglu Be The Right Choice For The Gunners?
Calhanoglu is an excellent dribbler with the ball at his feet as he has got outstanding close control and technical ability to get the better of his marker in the attacking third. He can strike the ball with a lot of power and precision which makes him a potent threat from long range.
Plus, the 55-time Turkey international is a decent crosser of the ball and has got the vision to play a killer passer to unlock the opponent’s defence. Hence, he will be a good option for Mikel Arteta to consider during this summer transfer window.
At 27, Calhanoglu is playing at his peak and would add plenty of creativity and dynamism to the Gunners midfield department. He is far more experienced than Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard which could make him a regular feature to assume the duties of the primary attacking midfielder in Arteta’s starting XI over the next few seasons.
The fact that Calhanoglu could be available as a free agent makes him a shrewd choice for the North London giants this summer. However, there are some concerns over whether the Milan star would be able to cope with the physical nature and high intensity of Premier League football.
