Agent Clarifies Rumours Over Playmaker's Deal With Arsenal

Hamburg playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu is not set to join Arsenal despite speculation to the contrary, according to the player's agent.

Talk has surrounded a possible January move by Arsene Wenger for the highly-rated attacking midfielder. While he admitted to being flattered by the interest the Arsenal manager recently denied that the side had made a bid as he reportedly discusses a new deal with Hamburg.

But agent Bektas Demirtas has told Goal.com that while there are clubs chasing the 19-year-old, the Gunners are not one of them.

"We never said Arsenal is interested in Hakan," Demirtas said. "They're definitely not among the candidates.

"In football anything can happen. But it is a fact that Hakan is under contract at Hamburger SV until 2016."

Demirtas also insisted that the player was not pushing his current club for a new deal, explaining: "We don't feel any pressure and are not in a hurry to extend the contract. It is up to the club to move now and approach us."

Manchester City and Chelsea are believed to have sent scouts to watch Calhanoglu in action but with regular game time on offer at Hamburg he is believed to be looking for continuity before considering a move elsewhere.

Sporting Director Oliver Kreuzer has admitted that when clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool are being connected to Calhanoglu, even if it's only press speculation, it's important to tie him down for the long term with a new deal.

"Not only Liverpool and Arsenal show interest," Kreuzer told Bild. "I indeed believe that Hakan is not against prolonging his contract.

"But when Liverpool and Arsenal turn up at your doorstep the lad might reconsider."