With Europe’s most prestigious trophy under their belt now, Chelsea will look to add to that with a huge transfer spending spree and bring the Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have reportedly matched Paris Saint- Germain’s bid for Inter Milan’s right-back Achraf Hakimi. The former Real Madrid defender had an excellent season for the Italian champions, scoring 7 goals and delivering a further 10 assists for the Nerazzurri in the Italian top-flight as they won the Scudetto for the first time in over a decade.
As such, the Moroccan has attracted the interest of European footballing royalty all across the continent and clubs like Chelsea and PSG are courting the 22-year old for his signature. Both clubs have filed in an offer worth £56 million for bringing him to London and Paris respectively.
FootTheBall takes a look at the Moroccan’s potential transfer from Inter Milan this summer and what it could mean for the transfer market and the player himself.
HAKIMI TO CHELSEA?
Achraf Hakimi looks Chelsea-bound this summer as Inter Milan start the exercise of recouping funds. As per Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio, the Blues are ready to offer players in addition to the amount of £56 million to make the proposition more lucrative for the Italian champions.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are reportedly prepared to offer both Emerson Palmieri and Andreas Christensen to convince Inter to sell Hakimi to the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Sky Sports Italia claim that Inter Milan are interested in the Chelsea offer given their interest in the defensive duo that will make the journey from London to Milan should the move be a success.
But what will Hakimi’s arrival in the British capital mean for the players at Stamford Bridge, particularly right-back Reece James? Apparently, Reece James will not go down the pecking order for the Blues.
The England international has been sensational for Thomas Tuchel’s side, putting in solid and noteworthy performances as Chelsea won the Champions League in Porto.
He kept his fellow international teammate Raheem Sterling in check for the entirety of the match in Porto as Chelsea won their second Champions League title.
HAKIMI’S TRANSFER TO CHELSEA IMMINENT?
Achraf Hakimi, if he does arrive in the Premier League, he will be played as a left-back or left-wing back for Chelsea ahead of Ben Chilwell. Reece James looks likely to retain his place at right-back even after Hakimi’s signing as the Moroccan will feature on the other side of the defence for the Blues.
Hakimi can additionally play on the right side of a midfield three in a 4-3-3 formation for Chelsea, thus giving him an edge due to his versatility.
The 22-year old can line up just in front of Reece James as and when the need arises to and can help out in attack while also tracking back to win possession back from the opposing team.
The former Real Madrid man was instrumental for Inter Milan as he only missed one game in their run towards the league title in Italy. But according to Calciomercato, Hakimi’s agent Alejandro Camano has dismissed the talks surrounding the 22-year old’s transfer this summer.
“He is the best player in Europe in his position. That’s why there are so many rumours about him” Camano said of the Inter Milan right-back.
“Hakimi has four years left in his contract with Inter, and I want to clarify I haven’t talked to any other club” he added, effectively dispelling the rumours around his impending transfer.
But despite Camano’s comments, it looks likely that Hakimi will be playing at a club other than Inter Milan come next season as the Italians go on an unloading spree in anticipation of gathering funds and utilising them in the transfer market.
They have already relieved title-winning manager Antonio Conte of his duties as they prepare to bring in funds and Achraf Hakimi might just be the next one to leave the San Siro this summer
