Chelsea on alert after Bayer Leverkusen ace drops huge hint
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They already seem to be a nigh-unbeatable force in the Premier League, but Chelsea look set to grow even stronger in the off-season. According to the latest reports, Bayer Leverkusen star Hakan Calhanoglu is one target who could be bound for Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has shone for the Bundesliga outfit this term, netting six goals and five assists from 15 league appearances.
And the Turkey international played in every Champions League group game in the Autumn, as Leverkusen ousted Tottenham.
But with Roger Schmidt’s side currently languishing in ninth this term, Champions League football is unlikely to return to the BayArena next season.
And that of course, is exactly the opposite at Stamford Bridge.
A 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday was Chelsea’s latest step to the Premier League title, and our odds of 1/10 make it a case of when Antonio Conte’s men win the league, rather than if.
And Calhanoglu – currently serving a ban for breaking a contract with Trabzonspor – has been speaking to Turkish media this weekend.
“God willing, I will be a Chelsea player next season.” the 22-year-old told Turkish newspaper Fanatik.
But it’s been widely reported that the Italian boss is keen to make some additions this summer, to prepare the Blues for a return to Europe’s top club competition next season.
And Calhanoglu’s performances this season are greatly impressing. The Mannheim-born ace is versatile too, and can play in any midfield or forward role.
Valued at £15m by transfermarkt.co.uk, the Turkish ace’s contract expires in 2019, and Leverkusen will be hard-pressed to keep their star man beyond the summer.
Any deal within the region of £35m should start making headway, and if Calhanoglu can help Chelsea win the Champions League, then that deal would quickly repay itself.
With one hand already on the English crown, Chelsea are now gearing up their options for European domination.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
