Atletico Madrid are now considering offering Thomas Lemar to Inter Milan in a bid to sign Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkey star is also a target of Tottenham Hotspur for this summer.
That is according to CalcioMercatoWeb, which reports Atletico Madrid see Calhanoglu as a player to revive their fallen fortunes. Los Colchoneros have endured issues this term unlike in many years under Diego Simeone. So, the La Liga giants now plan to reshape their team.
Metropolitano chiefs are studying Lemar’s future at the club after placing a €30m (£26.5m) price tag on the Frenchman. But rather than simply cash in on his services, Atletico Madrid are exploring offering the 27-year-old to Inter Milan in exchange for Calhanoglu’s transfer.
Simeone sees Calhanoglu as a more functional player in his plans and the 29-year-old has a similar asking price. But San Siro chiefs are not overly keen on the idea of swapping the 74-cap star for Los Colchoneros’ midfielder. So, Inter Milan will likely reject the possible move.
Atletico Madrid could still table the offer to Inter Milan in the hope of sealing Calhanoglu’s transfer. They feel he can help to revive their fortunes next term having crashed out of the Champions League in Group B this season. They are also in a fight to rank fourth in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid to rival Tottenham for Calhanoglu’s transfer from Inter Milan
Inter Milan may also have to fend off transfer interest in Calhanoglu from Tottenham and Manchester United this summer. CalcioMercatoWeb has also reported that Spurs and the Red Devils are both exploring moves upon the requests of Antonio Conte and Erik ten Hag.
Calhanoglu has captivated Conte with his performances at San Siro so far this season. But Ten Hag also appreciates what the playmaker has produced having offered three goals and six assists in 28 games. He has hit two and created five goals from 20 Serie A appearances.
Inter Milan are moving to protect themselves from losing Calhanoglu against interest from Tottenham, Manchester United and now Atletico Madrid in his transfer. The Nerazzurri are willing to offer the midfielder a new contract until 2026 as his current deal expires in 2024.
Yet further reports by CalcioMercatoWeb note that Calhanoglu could reject a new deal at Inter Milan for a transfer to Tottenham. A chance to play with Conte in the Premier League may entice him to reject a new deal. Spurs will also make major efforts to seal his transfer.
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