Leicester City are among the clubs interested in the services of AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu, it has been claimed.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, AC Milan are willing to offload the Turkish playmaker in the summer for a fee in the region of €30 million. Calhanoglu, himself, is also believed to be keen on a move to Premier League.
This has put Leicester City on red alert, although the Foxes could stiff competition from league rivals West Ham United.
Hakan Calhanoglu: A perfect fit for Rodgers’ system
Leicester City have done reasonably well following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers. The former Liverpool manager has won four out of the seven matches in the league.
But, their recent performances against Newcastle and West Ham have made it clear that the Foxes do lack a bit of creativity, especially with James Maddison operating in a deeper role under Rodgers.
And with casting doubts over star midfielder Youri Tielemans’ long-term future at the club, Leicester City will be keen to sign a new attacking midfielder in the summer.
Someone who could take up the mantle of replacing Riyad Mahrez, whose departure to Manchester City last summer has left a large gaping hole in Leicester’s creative department this season. Therefore, Calhanoglu is certainly a viable target for the Foxes.
The Turkish international has been key to AC Milan’s return to prominence under Gennaro Gattuso this season, having been involved in 28 goals in 68 matches under the tutelage of the Italian boss. However, Calhanoglu’s style of play and characteristics could be better fitted to a team like Leicester, who often like to play on the counter.
While the 25-year-old is known for his dynamism and creativity in attack, it’s his mastery from set-pieces that make Calhanoglu such an effective playmaker. In fact, the former Leverkusen is one of the most feared free-kick takers in Europe while his deliveries from dead balls could be tailor-made for the English game.
This could be beneficial for a Leicester side, who have just scored six goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties) this season.
Therefore, the Turkish star will be able to improve their proficiency from set-pieces whilst also making them much more dangerous in counter-attacks, with the Foxes having already scored eight goals from counters this season – more than any other team in the league.
And for a fee of €30 million, Calhanoglu appears as a relatively cheaper option considering the inflation of the market these days, thus making him a perfect fit Leicester City.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
