According to Turkish news outlet Haberturk Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder, Hakan Calhanoglu is wanted by Chelsea as a replacement for Brazilian midfielder Oscar.The Blues previously tried to sign the Turkish midfielder in last summer’s transfer window, but the deal fell through after the German club demanded more than what the London club was willing to pay for the youngster. It is believed that even Calhanoglu was keen on making the switch to Stamford Bridge.
Trending
According to reports, the Blues made a bid of £17m for the young Turkish international but Bayer Leverkusen were reportedly not satisfied with the valuation the Premier League club came up with for Calhanoglu.
Chelsea FC’s Italian manager, Antonio Conte had Calhanoglu in the list of players of he wanted to bring into the club in the summer last year and felt that he would be a perfect replacement for Brazil’s Oscar say Haberturk.
The German club signed the youngster from Hamburg for £12.5m in 2014 on a five-year contract. Since he joined, Leverkusen Calhanoglu has scored 24 goals for the club in 105 appearances. Calhanoglu has been impressive for his national side Turkey as well scoring eight goals in 26 appearances.
The 22-year-old had also spoken to his national team coach Fatih Terim about a potential move to London, but talks are yet to take place between both sides. Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Oscar is reportedly contemplating leaving the club with increasing interest from Serie A club Inter Milan. If Oscar’s move to Italy is successful, Chelsea could then move in for the young Turkish footballer.
Chelsea reportedly values Oscar at £20m claim Haberturk. But Antonio Conte has recently made it clear that the Brazilian will not be leaving the club in January and that he is still a part of his plans.
Hakan Calhanoglu is one of the brightest young talents in the Bundesliga and is believed to be one the best free-kick takers in the world football at the moment. The youngster is one of Leverkusen’s most value players and regular starter under club manager Roger Schmidt. The 22-year-old already has three goals and three assists to his name in just 12 appearances this season.
Chelsea FC has spent big since last summer bringing in the likes of Ngolo Kante, Mitchy Batshuayi, and many more players, totaling up to £120m. Chelsea are currently 2nd in the Premier League one point of table-toppers Liverpool.
