AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu remains on Arsenal’s shortlist this summer, as he comes to the end of his contract in Italy.

James Benge reports that Arsenal have held internal discussions about Hakan Calhanoglu, who is out of contract with AC Milan this summer. The 27-year-old is considered ‘an option’ at this stage, with no clarity on how high he is on Arsenal’s list.

Sky Sports in Italy reported in April that Arsenal were one of the clubs considering taking Calhanoglu on a free transfer this summer. Given the Turkey international can play at 10 or wide on the left, he could help fill a couple of positions for Mikel Arteta.

Calhanoglu was Serie A’s top creator in 2020/21, making 98 chances. Admittedly 50 of those came from set-pieces, his speciality. But the stats suggest he excels in areas Arsenal lack.

For a start, it’s not as if the team are blessed with indirect set-piece takers to begin with. Calhanoglu is also strong in progressive passes and carries, as well as passes into the penalty area.

Arsenal fans will get a good look at Calhanoglu over the coming weeks, with Turkey kicking off the Euros against Italy on Friday.

Calhanoglu has two goals and four assists in his four appearances for Turkey in 2021. He also scored nine goals and assisted 11 for Milan in the season just gone.