Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a transfer for Bayer Leverkusen’s Hakan Calhanoglu as replacement for Oscar, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan
Metro have reported that Chelsea are interested in Bayer Leverkusen talisman Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turk, who is renowned for his ability on the dead ball, is now on the radar of the Blues as the Premier League outfit plot a January move for the midfielder.
Calhanoglu endured a torrid time in the 2015-16 campaign with just 3 goals and 5 assists to show for his efforts in 31 Bundesliga appearances. But the 22-year-old seems to have recovered from the disappointing campaign, starting the current season on a positive note with 2 goals and 2 assists in just 7 league appearances.
Chelsea are eyeing a move for the star in order to fill the gap that is supposed to be left by Oscar, whose departure looks likely. The Brazilian has dropped down the pecking order after the formation change by Antonio Conte and has been linked with a £20m move away from Stamford Bridge with a host of Serie A clubs interested in the player’s signature.
And, as per Turkish publication Haberturk, Chelsea may need to part with a similar sum in order to secure Calhanoglu’s services. Haberturk’s report has also stated that the 22-year-old has given his consent to the move with national team manager Fatih Terim also in knowledge of the player’s wish.
The player would add a potent option from dead-ball situations to Chelsea’s arsenal and could come in handy should Conte decide to move for the player. Additions to the midfield are almost given at this point of time to add to the options already available with players like Milan Badelj, Radja Nainggolan and Geoffrey Kondogbia all linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea may face competition for the 22-year-old with Tottenham and Inter Milan both reported with interest in the player at different points of time earlier in the summer.
It remains to be seen whether Bayer Leverkusen would consider the possibility of selling the player to Chelsea. But, with the player and Chelsea both interested in doing a deal, it almost feels like the player’s current employers could be forced to part with their prized asset.