Achraf Hakimi, a target for Chelsea and Arsenal, is reportedly not averse to the idea of making his way to the Premier League in the summer.
According to a report by The Athletic, Achraf Hakimi is open to a summer move to England amid Inter Milan’s financial struggles. The former Real Madrid defender is the subject of interest from Chelsea and Arsenal over a possible move in the future.
Hakimi joined Inter Milan from Real Madrid last summer, having completed a successful two-year loan spell with Borussia Dortmund. The move has paid off handsomely for the Nerazzurri till date, as the 22-year-old has been one of the best players in Antonio Conte’s side this season after a slow initiation.
Till date, Hakimi has turned out 27 times in all competitions for Inter, with 6 goals and 5 assists to show for his efforts in those outings. His progress over the last few years has attracted a number of top Premier League clubs, two of them being Chelsea and Arsenal.
Chelsea hold a long-time interest in Hakimi, having also been linked with a possible move last summer before he joined Inter Milan. It is believed that the Blues continue to hold and interest in the Moroccan international, which does make sense considering Cesar Azpilicueta seems to be an option for the central defensive berth.
While Callum Hudson-Odoi has stepped up remarkably as a right wing-back under new manager Thomas Tuchel, Hakimi would be a more natural fit, making him a viable target for Chelsea. The Blues, though, face stiff competition from Arsenal in his pursuit.
The Gunners are in a precarious position over the future of Hector Bellerin, who have been linked with a possible switch to Barcelona. If the Spanish international does end up returning to the Nou Camp, Cedric Soares, who is primarily viewed as a backup option, would be the only right-back at Arsenal.
Therefore, the north Londoners seem to be keeping their options open, with former Chelsea youth player Tariq Lamptey reportedly an option to replace Bellerin. Hakimi, too, would be a target worth considering, although his abilities are better suited in a wing-back role than a traditional full-back.
Nevertheless, it looks like Hakimi, who has a £40 million price tag, could well be on his way to the Premier League in the summer, although nothing is set in stone yet. Inter Milan’s struggles on the financial front could end up playing a role in a potential transfer as well, and it remains to be seen if Chelsea or Arsenal can snap up Hakimi in the summer.
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