AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu won’t be moving to Arsenal this summer, as he’s set to remain in the city and join Inter Milan instead.

April 03, 2021 Milan, Italy. Hakan Calhanoglu. Copyright: Spada / LaPresse
April 03, 2021 – Milan, Italy. Hakan Calhanoglu. Copyright: Spada / LaPresse

As he comes to the end of his contract with AC Milan this month, Hakan Calhanoglu is set to make a free transfer move to Inter Milan.

Francesco Porzio reported that the midfielder would sign a three-year deal with Inter Milan, earning €5m net per season plus €1m of add-ons. Calhanoglu has since confirmed the move himself, speaking to the Turkish media.

“I’ve reached an agreement with Inter,” Calhanoglu said. “I’m going to Milan. I will sign the contract tomorrow.”

27-year-old Calhanoglu had been linked with Arsenal over the past few months.

Sky Sports in Italy reported in April that Arsenal were one of the clubs considering taking Calhanoglu on a free transfer this summer. Then James Benge reported that Arsenal had held internal discussions about the player.

There was never any suggestion that the Turkey international was top of Arsenal’s list, he was only ever described as an ‘option’ for the Gunners. But it’s an option that looks to be off the table now.

For some Arsenal fans, that will be seen as a good thing. Calhanoglu joined the rest of the Turkey team in having a very underwhelming Euro 2020, even if he did assist their only goal of the tournament.