PSG are ahead of Chelsea in the pursuit of Inter Milan wing-back Achraf Hakimi, according to the report in Sky Sports.
The Moroccan made the move from Real Madrid to Inter Milan just a year ago for €40 million. The 22-year-old helped the Nerazzurri to clinch the 19th Serie A title after producing seven goals and eight assists in 37 appearances.
However, following financial difficulties, Inter are forced to sell players to balance the book. After having an argument in this situation, Inter’s former coach Antonio Conte resigned from being the Inter coach and Simone Inzaghi became the new Nerazzurri manager.
Inter have identified Hakimi as their most sellable asset this summer. PSG and Chelsea have shown interest in the pursuit of the 22-year-old. And Les Persians have appeared to be the favourite to get the deal over the line.
PSG to beat Chelsea in the pursuit of Achraf Hakimi:
According to the report in Sky Sports, Chelsea made a £51.3 million (€60 million) bid for the Inter wingback Achraf Hakimi. However, PSG have moved ahead and made an improved bid of €70 million (£59.8 million) including bonuses.
The report also claims that the Blues are still in the race. But Mauricio Pochettino’s team are confident of snatching the deal from Chelsea given the player’s desire to play in Paris.
Hakimi to Chelsea would certainly be a very good coup for Thomas Tuchel. The wing-back is devastating going forward and would have been a nightmare for the opposition. The German boss’ 3-4-2-1 formation would certainly bring the best out of the Moroccan. As the 22-year-old’s best position is the wing-back.
However, the Blues have Recce James in their arsenal who is very effective going forward and strong defensively as well. Unlike the 22-year-old Morocco who has question marks in his defensive capabilities.
So, it will be interesting to see how Hakimi can settle down in PSG. As they like to play with four at the back and as a full back he will have to defend a lot. Given PSG’s dominance in the Ligue 1 that might not create a big problem. But in the Champions League, he will be tested defensively.
