Arsenal to offer cash plus Lukas Podolski for 'Turkish Andrea Pirlo'

ARSENAL are set to offer Lukas Podolski plus cash in exchange for Bayer Leverkusen star Hakan Calhanoglu, according to reports.

Calhanoglu scores stunner in Leverkusen s draw with Monchengladbach

The Metro claims that Arsene Wenger is seeking midfield reinforcements this summer, with Mikel Arteta tipped to leave the Emirates for Real Sociedad.

And the paper believes that at the top of the Frenchman's list is playmaker Calhanoglu, who has been likened to Italy legend Andrea Pirlo due to his prowess at taking set-pieces.

hakan calhanogluGETTY

Hakan Calhanoglu is a transfer target for Arsenal, according to reports

The Turkey international has already scored 10 goals in 37 appearances at his new club after completing a move from Bundesliga rivals Hamburg last summer.

Barcelona are also said to be interested in Calhanoglu, with Luis Enrique already plotting moves in the market despite the club's current transfer ban.

However, Wenger is apparently ready to win the race for the 21-year-old's signature by offering Podolski plus a hefty fee in order to meet Leverkusen's £20million valuation.

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