Premier League side Arsenal have been linked with a move for AC Milan attacking midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkish international has been with the Italian side since 2017, having joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen.
As per Sky Sports, Milan and Calhanoglu haven’t yet agreed to a new contract, and with the 27-year-old’s current deal expiring at the end of the season, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Juventus have started monitoring developments keenly.
Hakan Calhanoglu has reportedly demanded a salary of €5 million, but his current club has offered him a contract worth €4 million.
Calhanoglu has racked up 163 games for Milan, scoring 30 goals and setting up 47 goals. He has had a decent 2020-21 season so far, scoring 7 and assisting 11 times in all competitions.
Hakan Calhanoglu: A good option for the Gunners?
Hakan Calhanoglu has been excellent for AC Milan over the last few seasons emerging as one of the most consistent performers for the Italian side this season. The 27-year-old is primarily an attacking midfielder, playing behind the main striker, but he has also played off the left on occasions.
Calhanoglu is a technically gifted player who has the ability to create from nothing with his clever passes and crosses. The Turkish international is deadly from set-piece situations and can play delightful crosses into the box. The Milan attacker is also a hard-working player who tracks back and presses opposition players to retrieve the ball and create attacks.
Hakan Calhanoglu is a quality player who is hitting his prime years and has the ability to transform a team with his creativity and vision. Arsenal could benefit from a player of the calibre of Calhanoglu.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has predominantly played a 4-2-3-1 formation this season and has used youngster Emile Smith Rowe in the No. 10 position and Martin Odegaard more recently. Smith Rowe is a talented young player who could go on to have a good career in the Premier League, but he doesn’t have the experience to help the Gunners get back into the top 4. Calhanoglu, though, could be the catalyst for change at Arsenal and adding his experience and talent could help link the midfield and attack far better.
The Gunners have a top-class striker in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but he hasn’t had the quality of service most top sides in the Premier League manage to provide their striker on a consistent basis.
The north London side also has young wingers in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli who have the pace and energy to trouble sides, which could be unlocked by a creative player like Calhanoglu.
Arsenal need to sign a top-quality No. 10 in the summer and with Hakan Calhanoglu available on a free transfer, a move for him makes a lot of sense.
