Chelsea have expressed their interest in signing Hakan Calhanoglu when his contract with AC Milan expires in the summer, a report claims.
Calhanoglu is on the radar of a number of top clubs as he prepares to become a free agent. In four years at Milan, he has provided 30 goals and 47 assists from 163 appearances. Able to play as an attacking midfielder or winger, he would be a useful addition for any side.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with the Turkey international. They got the chance to see him in action when the two sides met in the Europa League last month.
Links with a move to United for Calhanoglu backdate to last year. However, they now face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
After Sky Sport Italia revealed the Blues’ interest in the player, Tuttomercatoweb have now elaborated on their pursuit.
According to the Italian website, Chelsea have not begun negotiations, but have made their interest known. A renewal with Milan is looking increasingly unlikely, so Chelsea could have a chance to sign him.
After investing in the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz, some of Chelsea’s summer signings have struggled to live up to expectations in their first season. With doubts too about the future of Christian Pulisic, they could need reinforcements in attack.
Calhanoglu’s versatility and creativity would make him an interesting profile for Thomas Tuchel to work with. And it seems he is already thinking about his next move.
Calhanoglu wants a contract worth €4.5m per season to renew with Milan. The Rossoneri are unable to offer that, but other clubs might be.
Juventus are also in a similar position to Chelsea in terms of registering their interest. Another club trying keep him in Serie A could be Milan’s rivals Inter.
Man Utd remain in the frame as well. They too have asked for information about Calhanoglu in recent weeks and are monitoring the situation.
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Chelsea, Man Utd also battling for defender
As well as rivalling each other for the signing of Calhanoglu, Chelsea and United have both shown an interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
At the age of 22, it seems clear that Kounde’s long-term future will lie away from Sevilla. He has the potential to play for a European giant – and links with Man Utd have persisted for some time.
According to La Colina De Nervion, Chelsea have now entered the battle for Kounde.
The Blues are looking for a long-term successor to Thiago Silva. The Brazilian is out of contract at the end of the season, but has impressed and may earn a one-year extension.
Even so, Chelsea will still need to find younger competition for him and they don’t come much better than Kounde.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are said to have registered their interest, leaving Sevilla braced for a bidding war. But that is something that will actually be welcomed by the Spanish side, who could raise huge funds as a result.
READ MORE: Chelsea star outlines Tuchel methods that ‘make a difference’; coy on exit talk
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Samuel Bannister
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