Transfer Centre

Arsenal weighing up £26m bid for Hakan Calhanoglu?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 02 December 2022

Arsenal weighing up £26m bid for Calhanoglu?

Arsenal are reportedly contemplating whether to make an approach for Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu in January.

Arsenal may reportedly consider viewing Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as a potential January transfer target.

The Gunners are currently enjoying their best Premier League campaign for over a decade, sitting five points clear at the top of the standings.

Mikel Arteta's side have improved since making numerous additions last summer, including bringing in the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.

Although a top-four finish was the initial aim at the beginning of 2022-23, it has been claimed that the Arsenal hierarchy are ready to support Arteta in the January market.

There have been suggestions that the Spaniard may be provided with as much as £50m to spend with Arteta expected to move for a new central midfielder.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on October 30, 2022 © Reuters

According to Inter Live, there is a scenario where Arsenal could attempt to pull off a deal for Turkey international Calhanoglu.

The 28-year-old has contributed 11 goals and 18 assists from his 66 appearances for Inter since making the controversial switch from neighbours AC Milan in 2021.

Calhanoglu has started all but two of Inter's 15 Serie A fixtures this season, highlighting that the playmaker is a key part of Simone Inzaghi's team.

Nevertheless, when signing for Inter on a free transfer, Calhanoglu only penned a three-year deal, meaning that he is almost halfway through his terms with I Nerazzurri.

Inter Milan's Hakan Calhanoglu celebrates scoring their first goal with Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Barella on October 4, 2022 © Reuters

The report claims that Calhanoglu's representatives may attempt to convince a number of high-profile clubs to make a bid for his signature.

A fee of £26m is mentioned, money which would arguably be value for money for Arsenal given Calhanoglu's qualities and Inter due to the positive impact that it will have with financial fair play.

Aston Villa are also credited as a potential destination for Calhanoglu, despite their lack of European football and currently occupying a place in the lower half of England's top flight.

However, newly-appointed boss Unai Emery is expected to be provided with the funds to make notable additions at the midway point of the campaign, and the Villa board may support a move of this magnitude.