Chelsea transfer news: Atletico to rival Blues for €38m international star

La Liga giants Atletico Madrid look set to rival Chelsea for Hakan Calhanoglu’s signature this summer.

A source close to the Turkey international has revealed to Turkish-Football that Atletico Madrid have maintained their interest in the 23-year-old since last season.

The Turkish outlet AMK reported that Atleti had enquired into the availability of Calhanoglu last summer. However, the Bundesliga giants were unwilling to offload their star man.

Meanwhile, another Turkish media outlet Ajanspor have revealed that Premier League leaders Chelsea are prepared to activate the 23-year-old’s €38 million release clause this summer.

See More: Everything you ever wanted to know about Hakan Calhanoglu

The report goes onto state that Antonio Conte’s side are preparing a three-year deal for Calhanoglu.

The Turkey international is currently suspended by FIFA from playing professional football.

FIFA decided to ban Calhanoglu following a payment dispute with the Turkish Super League club Trabzonspor dating back to when he was aged just 17.

Calhanoglu was in impressive form before being hit with a suspension. The 23-year-old racked up seven goals and seven assists in 22 appearances for Bayer in all competitions.