Bayer Leverkusen's highly-rated attacking midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has revealed he hopes to become a Chelsea player next season, according toTurkish Football.
Calhanoglu has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past and, according to the report, is on the verge of sealing a move to Chelsea in the summer.
The 22-year-old is currently serving a four-month suspension following a breach of contract, meaning he may have played his last game for the Bundesliga club.
Hakan Calhanoglu admits he "will be a Chelsea player next season", like the sound of that? #CFC https://t.co/4iH33uDsep pic.twitter.com/Fgk3FLpj2O
Calhanoglu has established himself as one of the most talented playmakers in Europe following his move to the BayArena from Hamburg in 2014 - and he's recognised as a dead-ball specialist, scoring some beautiful free-kicks during his time with Roger Schmidt's side.
God willing, I will be a Chelsea player next season,� Calhanoglu told Fanatik via Turkish Football. There are also a number of other clubs interested in signing me.�
The Turkish international will not have the chance to seal a switch to Stamford Bridge with a string of impressive performances while he's serving his ban, although has already made a significant impression in the current campaign with seven assists and seven goals in 21 appearances.
Calhanoglu was disciplined for a breach of contract when,playing for Karlsruhe, was paid €100,000 after agreeing to sign for Turkish sideTrabzonspor in the future. However, despite the agreement, heextended his contract with Karlsruhe before signing forHamburg.
BREAKING! @hakanc10 has been suspended by FIFA for four months and will miss the rest of the 2016/17 #Bundesliga season.
More to follow. pic.twitter.com/Gzz6WLK5tq
"I was 17 and played at Karlsruhe," Calhangolu told Express. "A friend tipped me off that my father met with Trabzonspor representatives in a restaurant in Darmstadt.
"When my father returned, he told me: 'Hakan, you need to sign that contract.' In our culture, fathers have the last word, and it's out of place to not show them respect.
"I was 17, and not aware of the implications. I only had football on my mind."