Hakan Calhanoglu during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. (Getty Images)
Reports suggest that Chelsea have launched a shock transfer bid for Bayer Leverkusen star, Hakan Calhanoglu. Antonio Conte is reportedly keen on bringing the 22-year-old to Stamford Bridge in January as he hopes to finish top of the Premier League title race.
The Blues are looking to replace Oscar – who joined Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG for £52 million.
However, the Blues face competition for the Turkey international as the star midfielder is wanted by a lot of elite clubs because of his set-piece abilities. Calhanoglu has also been linked with Manchester United, but it is understood that Chelsea have now got the upper hand by bidding for the attacking midfielder to bolster their options up front.
Calhanoglu joined Bayer Leverkusen from Hamburg for just £12.5m in 2014 and has since bagged 28 goals and 26 assists and turned into a sensation. The Turkey international also netted against England during a friendly in the build up to Euro 2016.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have only scored six goals from free kicks and corners this season, which is less than West Brom, West Ham and bottom club Hull.
But it seems highly unlikely that Leverkusen would want to sell Calhanoglu until the summer, with a crucial Champions League last 16 match against Atletico Madrid to come in February. Calhanoglu also has two years still left on his contract and will not come for cheap.
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