Bayer Leverkusen midfielder and Arsenal target Hakan Calhanoglu has admitted that he is flattered by interest from Barcelona, reports the Daily Express.
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Manchester City have also been linked to the free kick specialist, who has impressed in the Bundesliga this season. However, both of the Premier League would appear to have serious competition from the Catalan club.
The midfielder said: “There has been no official offer from Barcelona, but I am obviously flattered by the rumours that they are interested in me. My agent handles the proposals that I get but right now I’m good at Leverkusen and I will not leave. I want to achieve certain goals in the course of my career, but right now I am totally focused on the second leg of the Champions League game against Atletico.”
This may not be as bad as it sounds for either City or Arsenal, as Barca aren’t able to sign anyone until next January due to a FIFA transfer ban. This means that the English sides could get the jump on the Catalan giants by making a bid for the Turkey international this summer – though their current motives are as yet unclear.
Arsene Wenger may not be too interested in a move as there are a few players who can play in Calhanoglu’s attacking midfield position at the club already. Meanwhile the Citizens already have the similar David Silva and Samir Nasri at the Etihad stadium.