James Murray

Thu 3 August 2023 8:40, UK

West Ham are in reportedly eyeing a deal for Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu and Dean Jones believes it would a “special signing”.

Italian media outlet Spazio Inter reported on 29 July that the Hammers are looking to land the Turkish international, who Bleacher Report referred to as “unbelievable”, on a deal worth about £43million.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, former Eurosport journalist Jones said he thought the 29-year-old would be a very good piece of business for the Irons but questioned whether it would be possible to pull it off.

“Calhanoglu would be a great signing but this really feels like West Ham fishing out of their depth because this is one of the few players I really cannot see leaving Inter Milan this summer,” said Jones.

“Maybe it comes as part of the fact Inter want to sign Gianluca Scamacca, I’m not sure, but I just find it hard to see that this kind of deal can happen – especially with the way West Ham’s transfer business is going.

“It would be very special if it did come through though.”

Unlikely

This is a potential deal that seems extremely unlikely to happen as West Ham desperately try to strengthen in the midfield department this summer.

The Turkishman, who is widely known for his technical ability, has made 95 appearances since signing for Inter from AC Milan on a free transfer in 2021, having scored 12 goals and laid on 21 assists during that time.

He played a crucial role in the club’s run to the Champions League final last season, where he started in the Serie A side’s narrow defeat to Manchester City.

It just doesn’t seem like a great move for him to leave Milan in his prime years for the London Stadium and to drop down to playing Europa League football.

This looks likely to be a non-starter, so unless the player has genuine interest in joining the Hammers, we should quickly move on to more achievable targets.

In other West Ham news, one Man United midfielder appears to be back on the club’s radar.