Wenger denies Arsenal are chasing Hamburg starlet

Arsene Wenger has dismissed suggestions Arsenal will make a bid for Hamburg youngster Hakan Calhanoglu in the New Year.

The 19-year-old's agent earlier this week revealed his belief that the Gunners are poised to make a formal move for the midfielder.

However, Wenger has denied such talk, claiming reports of an imminent bid are "not true".

When asked about Calhanoglu, he said: "No. All the agents will turn up with names. Many agents have good links with newspapers. The names turn up but that is not true."

Turkey international Calhanoglu, who has been compared to Mesut Ozil, has also been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks.