Hakan Çalhanoğlu open to joining Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have identified Joao Palhinha as their top target to reinforce midfield options for next season. However, Bayern are yet to find a breakthrough in talks with Fulham. They have started looking at alternatives in case Fulham reject their final bid for the Portuguese midfielder.

Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu has emerged as a concrete alternative for Die Roten. Bayern have already touched base with the 30-year-old’s agents, as per reports in Italy and Turkey. According to Bild (via iMiaSanMia), the Turkish international is open to joining Bayern this summer.

The Italian club has no plans to part ways with Çalhanoğlu since he played a pivotal role in their Serie A win last season. The Turkish midfielder has three years left on his contract. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport in Italy, Inter Milan have already rejected Bayern’s interest in Çalhanoğlu.

Bayern are looking for a number six who can give stability in front of the defense and help dictate the play. Çalhanoğlu has largely operated in the attacking midfield position throughout his career. However, Inter used him in a deeper role last season. The Turkish international excelled in this position and helped them to win the Serie A.

With several years left on Çalhanoğlu’s contract, Inter Milan can ask for a significant fee. Spending a big transfer fee on a 30-year-old midfielder may not be a wise decision for Bayern. They should look at younger alternatives for Palhinha.

Bayern will make a third bid worth €46 million for Palhinha. Fulham wants closer to €70 million, but Die Roten are not looking to meet that figure. The Portuguese midfielder will turn 29 next month. Considering the age and eagerness of Palhinha to seal a move to Bavaria, Bayern have a good case for not going higher than their third bid.

If Die Roten are reluctant to pay big for Palhinha, the interest in Çalhanoğlu is unlikely to materialize this summer. Inter Milan will likely ask for a fee close to Die Roten’s third bid for Palhinha.

Elsewhere, Bayern are negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain for Xavi Simons. The Dutch forward is a top target for Die Roten to strengthen their attack. Bayern are looking to sign him on loan with an obligation to buy. Meanwhile, Michael Olise is expected to complete a move to Die Roten next week. The Bavarian club has agreed a fee with Crystal Palace, while the personal terms are already sorted with Olise. Rekordmeister will look to follow up on Olise’s signing with a midfielder.