‘Wants to play in England’ – Tottenham could hijack move for £22m Arsenal target, Bayer star wants summer exit

Bayer Leverkusen star Hakan Calhanoglu ‘wants to play in England or Italy’ according to BILD.

Per the source, Serie A giants Lazio want the Turkish international but are only prepared to offer £13.3 million [€15m] which falls short of Bayer’s valuation.

Bayer officials Rudi Voller and Jonas Boldt held a meeting over the future of Calhanoglu.

See More: ‘Can offer Arsenal what Christian Eriksen offers Spurs’ – Arsenal fans react on social media to reports that Hakan Calhanoglu is a summer transfer target

The Bundesliga giants reportedly want £22 million [€25m] for the 23-year-old which is below his £32.5 million release clause.

Turkish-Football have closely linked Calhanoglu with Arsenal.

BILD meanwhile link the attacking midfielder with the Gunners North London rivals Tottenham as well as Everton.

Spurs would be able to offer Calhanoglu Champions League football next season.

The 23-year-old would become the first major Turkish international star to join the club.

Like Mesut Ozil, Calhanoglu was born in Germany but unlike the Arsenal star he represents Turkey.

Calhanoglu would not need a work permit to play in the Premier League due to his place of birth.

The Bayer star is set to return to competitive football after serving his four month playing ban.

FIFA suspended Calhanoglu from playing club and international football over an incident which took place when he was aged 17.

Calhanoglu and his father were accused of taking a €100,000 payment to sign a professional contract with Trabzonspor but instead signed for Karlshruher.