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Hakan Calhanoglu vs Franck Kessie – Who Will Be A Better January Buy For Chelsea?

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With Oscar gone and the 2nd half of the 2016-17 season almost upon us, Chelsea are in the market for a midfielder who is able to fill the void the departed Brazilian has left in the club. As a result, the west London outfit have eyes on Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu and Atalanta youngster Franck Kessie, ahead of the January transfer window.

The former, a 22-year-old Turkey international is a subject of a £17million move from the Bundesliga, and the interests have always been there since the beginning of the season. Chelsea scouts were said to have recently watched him play in order to give a final assessment report as the club makes up their mind.

Kessie, 20, has been a full-time Ivory Coast international and he caught Chelsea’s attention this season after he became a starter for the Serie A club. According to reports, the Stamford Bridge club has had a £21million offer for him rejected by Atalanta, with the Italian outfit aware other Premier League suitors like Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal wouldn’t baulk at Kessie’s £34million asking price.

These 2 are no doubts great young talents who can become vital assets to Chelsea in the long-term, but which of them is the best option for Chelsea at the moment?

Right now and until the end of 2016-17, the starting XI at Stamford Bridge is very likely to remain constant, and if Premier League veterans like Willian and Fabregas aren’t able to break into the team, neither of the 2 youngsters have a chance, considering the positions they play. Hence, whosoever of them Chelsea eventually land will be coming in as a squad player, at least for the remainder of the season.

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Calhanoglu fits the bill perfectly given his set-skills and versatility. It’s not for nothing that he is the dubbed a set-piece specialist, and Chelsea don’t seem to currently have one within their ranks as William’s magic has faded. Apart from that standout feature of his, the Turkish midfielder is also able to play in 6 different positions perfectly and has featured in them for Leverkusen this term.

Calhanoglu plays primarily on the left flank in midfield, but can also be deployed in the middle, on the right, in right attacking midfield, as a right forward/winger and as a centre forward. Chelsea are a team that thrives on such versatility given their formations, and Conte will happily call upon such a player as a sub or in the absence of one of his midfielders and forwards.

Kessie is also a talented lad and is probably one of the top 5 most promising youngsters on the planet right now. His strength and ability to take balls past opponents are his 2 standout skills, but that’s about all he has. The next “Yaya Toure” plays in centre midfield or defensive midfield alone. And while one may be tempted to think he would give Matic the run for the money, his lack of experience counts against him.

Chelsea are very certain returnees to the Champions League next season and will need experienced legs, Kessie has none as he is yet to make his European bow. Hakan has a lot of it and will definitely come handy on that front too.

The fact that his buyout clause can easily be triggered is also another issue. The unproven Kessi is too expensive a buy to make a gamble on, and Chelsea can learn a thing or two from fellow Premier League rivals in that regard.

Hence, it’s safe to say Hakan Calhanoglu is no doubt the best option for Chelsea right now.