Arsenal are interested in signing Inter Milan playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu, according to Interlive.it.

The Turkish international has had a strong start to the season and the Italian website claim that the Gunners and Aston Villa are both keeping an eye on the player.

Calhanoglu’s contract at the San Siro expires in 2024, and it is believed that the Nerazzurri would be open to selling the midfielder if a team matches their €30m (£26m) valuation.

The 28-year-old has previously played as a number 10 but, this campaign, he has been deployed as a midfield anchor man by manager Simone Inzaghi.

Whether Calhanoglu is the sort of player that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta needs, it is up for debate. The London club are expected to be in the market for a midfielder when the January transfer window opens but they are likely to target someone who can be an understudy for Thomas Partey.

For that reason, it is hard to see where Calhanoglu would fit into things. Fans should probably not read too much into this rumour.