Hakan Calhanoglu’s contract saga has taken a fresh twist as Milan seem unwilling to increase their offer. According to MilanNews, the Rossoneri have rejected the playmaker’s request to raise his pay, which could lead to a summer break-up.
Although recent reports have indicated the seven-time European Cup champions are edging closer towards extending Calhanoglu’s deal, the Turkey international appears to be likely to leave the San Siro within a month. The player’s representatives have reopened the talks with the club over the prospect of prolonging the 27-year-old’s stay, but as it seems to no avail.
Paolo Maldini is adamant Milan will not go beyond the €4M-per-year package to lure Calhanoglu into committing his future to the club. Despite the midfielder’s resurrection, he looks likely to follow in the footsteps of Gianluigi Donnarumma through the San Siro exit by the end of the month.
After a torrid beginning to his life in Serie A, Hakan’s talent has sparked into life on the back of Stefano Pioli’s arrival. The Turk has established himself as one of the finest playmakers in Italy over the past year and a half, drawing attention from several top teams across the continent.
Juventus, who are also working on landing Donnarumma, have landed their eyes on the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star as Massimiliano Allegri prepares to overhaul the squad that faltered badly in 2020-21. However, the Bianconeri will face stiff competition for Calhanoglu’s services from abroad, with several Premier League sides credited with an interest.
Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal are reportedly part of a long queue. It’s hard to expect Juventus have the financial capacity to cope with wealthy English powerhouses, especially after failing to defend the Serie A title this term.
Meanwhile, Milan have already identified a long-term replacement for Calhanoglu. Udinese’s Rodrigo De Paul is the club’s top target heading into the transfer window, with Maldini already initiating contact with the Dacia Arena outfit.