Arsenal are reportedly targeting Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as an alternative to Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans. The 28-year-old's contract at the San Siro expires in 18 months and his future in the Serie A seems set to come to an end.
The Gunners are understood to be in the market for a new central midfielder after Mikel Arteta's side's terrific start to the season. Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table after 14 games following their best start to a league campaign but face tough competition from Manchester City.
Technical director Edu is expected to be a busy man over the winter months to add further depth to Arteta's squad. There are concerns over lack of figures in the middle of the park following previous injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny this season.
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Tielemans and Brazilian Danilo have been two constant players linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium since the end of the summer, but reports from Italy have claimed the Gunners could make a move for an alternative. Inter Live have named Arsenal and Premier League rivals Aston Villa as two potential suitors for Turkey midfielder Calhanoglu.
The Inter man sees his contract expire in 18 months and the report claims I Nerazzurri have no intention of selling their midfield maestro. However, the Gunners could manage to land the Turkish attacking midfielder should they offer at least €30million (£25.8million).
Unlike Danilo and Tielemans, Calhanoglu would bring vast experience to Arteta's midfield with over 400 senior appearances across spells with AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Inter, Karlsruher and Hamburger. However, Edu's transfer strategy over previous transfer windows would suggest the younger route would be opted for to follow Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Martinelli.
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