AC Milan have been negotiating with star midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu over a contract extension, but talks have been going nowhere. The Turkish international is an integral piece for the club, starting as an attacking midfielder. He’s scored two goals and provided nine assists in Serie A this season, as well as scoring five goals and providing two assists in the Europa League. His contract expires on June 30 this year, so time is ticking for the Rossoneri.
Hakan Calhanoglu Talks Still on Hold for AC Milan
Potential Departure
According to Calcio Mercato, Juventus have been in talks with Calhanoglu’s entourage. Losing Calhanoglu to a bitter rival will sting Milan for years to come.
The report claims that there’s a difference in €1 million per year between Milan’s offer and what Calhanoglu is seeking. That shouldn’t be a major issue, but Milan’s financial issues are real and clear.
Juventus’ interest rides on the backs of Adrien Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey. The report mentions that they will not be able to pursue Calhanoglu unless they’re able to sell one of the two aforementioned players. Both have been very underwhelming for the Old Lady this season, and Calhanoglu represents a clear upgrade.
Losing Calhanoglu will cause a complete shift for Milan. He’s the team’s playmaker who sits in a perfect spot in front of the midfield double pivot. If Milan cannot find a viable replacement, they’ll likely have to shift their formation. This isn’t ideal as the current crop of players have excelled in the 4-2-3-1 formation when healthy.
Potential Replacement
La Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that Milan will consider Atalanta’s Josip Ilicic, should Calhanoglu depart.
Ilicic is a fantastic player who has scored five goals and provided eight assists in 22 league matches this season. He also scored a goal and provided one assist in the Champions League.
The issue here, however, is Ilicic’s age. He’s 33-years-old, and not fitting Milan’s current timeline. He’ll pair well with another experienced forward in Zlatan Ibrahimovic (who is also yet to extend his contract), but it won’t serve Milan well for the future.
Calhanoglu is a Milan veteran. He knows the club and plays and meshes well with the current crop of players. He’s still in the prime of his career at 27-years-old.
Ilicic is an enticing option for a year or two, but his slight decline is already occurring. His track record in Italy is fantastic, but Milan is better suited to extending a player they already have and know well in Calhanoglu.
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