Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is reportedly being targeted by Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton after expressing a desire to leave Bayer Leverkusen.
According to a report by Transfer Market Web, Arsenal are plotting a move to sign Hakan Calhanoglu this summer, but they will have to face competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.
Calhanoglu has spent three seasons at Bayer Leverkusen and is likely to be traded for roughly £23.5million. The Turkish international is believed to be interested in moving to the Premier League, but it is uncertain as to which club he would choose.
Despite a ban linked to a contract breach during the early part of his career, the Turkey international managed nine goals in 26 appearances for club and country. Leverkusen will not be too pleased by losing Calhanoglu but they will be looking to benefit from the cash proceeds.
Calhanoglu has 26 caps for Turkey and also scored in at the 2-1 defeat to England at the Etihad before Euro 2016. The Turkish attacker has managed to tally 34 goals and 28 assists in 137 appearances so far for the German club. That’s approximately one goal in every two appearances.
The Turkish midfielder is a game-changer, and his free-kick ability has made him one of the best dead-ball specialists. Although his stats are not exactly phenomenal, they are still solid numbers and he can improve on the same once he gets more time at playing the game.
As far as the interested parties are concerned, the 23-year-old’s best bet would be to join Tottenham Hotspur. He can get extremely technical and thrives on attacking plays. Additionally, he can also play in all three positions upfront. He is young and can fit seamlessly into Maurico Pochettino’s dynamic squad.
With Moussa Sissoko on the verge of departing this summer, the Spurs will want to add a quality attacking midfielder to the side and Calhanoglu fits the role nicely. He will also get to play Champions League football, which can only be a positive factor.
For Arsenal though, it will be a good move only if Alexis Sanchez leaves the club. Sanchez did mention that he will leave the club if the Gunners fail to qualify for the Champions League. He will definitely not be a cheap buy but if Sanchez does leave, it can be a good idea.
He will certainly not come cheap but he can add depth and quality to the side. However, given Arsenal’s situation, it can be too expensive and futile if Sanchez does stay. Instead, focusing on a new striker would be a better utilization of their funds.
Everton, on the other hand, are looking to revamp their squad under Ronald Koeman and are also rumoured for a move to sign Wayne Rooney from Manchester United. While Calhanoglu can enjoy a bigger role there, they cannot offer the prospect of Champions League football and that is something even Arsenal will be unable to provide.
