West Ham require ‘indecent’ offer to land Inter Milan midfielder, £43million bid previously attempted
West Ham will require an “indecent” bid to acquire the services of Inter Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu as interest in the midfielder ramps up, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian news outlet reported [6 December] that, with several clubs joining the race for the Turkish star, any Hammers bid will need to be a huge increase on their previous attempt of £43million.
The 29-year-old has a wealth of experience, most recently playing in the Champions League final against Manchester City, and would add another wise mind to David Moyes’ dressing room.
It is understood that the Hammers were looking into landing the star last summer, according to Spazio Inter. But this deal never came to anything and the midfielder stayed in Italy.
Mr. Consistent
Calhanoglu has been one of Inter’s most consistent players since joining from AC Milan in July 2021. With seven goals and one assist across the Serie A and Champions League this season, the midfielder would make an excellent addition for the Hammers.
With appearances for both Milan sides and Bayer Leverkusen, Calhanoglu has gained experience in the Italian and German leagues, Europa League and Champions League. A level-headed, dependable, goalscoring midfielder, who loves to get stuck in.
He is also a star at international level, winning 82 caps for Turkey and scoring 17 goals in the process. Inter are extremely lucky to have him in their midfield.
While West Ham would also be very lucky to acquire his signature, the price tag being asked to meet is rather unattainable for the club right now. A player of Lucas Paqueta’s calibre would need to leave in order for David Moyes to bring Calhanoglu in.
Almost certainly, most West Ham fans would rather keep the Brazilian rather than raise money for a player with a lack of Premier League experience.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have activated a contract extension for an exit-linked ace.