Free-agent at forefront of Arsenal’s thinking and linked with Man Utd, Chelsea open about his future
Hakan Calhanoglu says he is no nearer to resolving his future despite his AC Milan contract expiring next month.
As things stand the 27-year-old midfielder will be a free agent this summer and there will be a clamour to get the player signed up. Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with the 55-cap Turkey international. Calhanoglu though could remain in Milan after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2017. The playmaker says he will sit down with Rossoneri officials at the end of the season, with an extension not out of the question.
That would be a blow to a number of clubs in England. In particular Arsenal, who look likely to have to work to a tight transfer budget this summer with European qualification unlikely.
Earlier this month a report from Milan Live said Arsenal are competing with Juventus and Galatasaray for the player.
Asked about his plans by Sky Sport Italia, Calhanoglu has said: “I am very happy that we reached this point. We’re fired up and want to book our spot in the Champions League.
“I always said that I wanted to get into the Champions League with Milan.
“However, my future does not depend on the Champions League. I am very happy to be here playing for Milan.
“At the end of the season, I will sit down with Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara to discuss my future. They are the ones in charge and I respect them.”
While Calhanoglu says he will talk with Milan at the conclusion of the season, there appears to be no rush from the club.
Calhanoglu has already attracted Manchester United. Links with a move to United for Calhanoglu backdate to last year. However, they also have competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
After Sky Sport Italia revealed the Blues’ interest in the player, Tuttomercatoweb last month elaborated on their pursuit.
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Calhanoglu chasing €5m renewal
According to the Italian website, Chelsea had not begun negotiations, but made their interest known in April.
Milan look like missing the Champions League for next season. And although the player says that is not a consideration, it will be for the club who will get hit in the pocket.
Journalist Franco Order via Milan News believes that Calhanoglu is chasing the equivalent of around €96,000 a week from a new contract in Milan.
Order said: “Let’s face it, now I see Milan in fifth place. These are the matches that show who is a champion and who is not. Calhanoglu , for example, he asks for 5 million but is it worth it? “.
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