Arsenal transfer news: Youri Tielemans has been linked with the Gunners throughout 2022 (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal reportedly hold an interest in Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkey international could be an alternative signing to Leicester star Youri Tielemans.
Tielemans has long been linked with a move to Arsenal. The Belgian is out of contract at Leicester at the end of the season and doesn't look likely to sign an extension.
He can speak to foreign clubs from January regarding a potential free transfer in the summer. But Arsenal are thought to be a club he would be keen on joining.
However, Arsenal are yet to turn their interest in the 25-year-old into an offer. And rumours of a potential move for Calhanoglu will only lessen Tielemans' chances of getting a switch to the Emirates.
Leverkusen star Hakan Calhanoglu's top five free kicks
The duo are both central midfielders of a No 8 mould, with the ability to venture forward and have an eye for goal. Arsenal would not look to sign two players in that position in one transfer window.
Italian outlet Inter Live names Arsenal and Aston Villa as two clubs interested in Calhanoglu. The experienced star has been a regular for Inter this season, featuring in 14 of their 15 Serie A matches.
However, his contract at the San Siro expires in 18 months' time. The report claims Inter have no intention to sell Calhanoglu in January but an offer of at least £25.8million (€30m) could tempt Inter chairman Steven Zhang into a sale.
Calhanoglu turns 29 next February, so would become one of the more experienced members of Mikel Arteta's squad. He spent four years at Inter's rivals AC Milan between 2017 and 2021, making over 170 appearances.
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Arsenal transfer news: Hakan Calhanoglu is linked with a move to the Gunners (Image: GETTY)
He joined Inter on a free transfer 18 months ago and has been a regular ever since. Calhanoglu played in a more attacking role earlier in his career but has mostly played in central midfield alongside Marcelo Brozovic this season.
Arsenal are hoping to have a busy January window to build on their superb start to the season. A winger is the priority for Arteta, with Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk the top target.
However, midfield is also an area that needs addressing. A lack of depth is often attached to Arteta's squad when discussing a potential title challenge this season.
Brazilian midfielder Danilo is a target for January after a successful campaign with Palmeiras. However, he is a different style of player to Calhanoglu, and would instead be backup and competition to Thomas Partey.
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