Chelsea dealt blow in pursuit of key transfer target who prefers European giants

Transfer News: Chelsea target Achraf Hakimi prefers PSG move

According to transfer news from RMC Sport (h/t Metro), Chelsea target Achraf Hakimi prefers a summer switch to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, handing the Blues a blow in their pursuit of the defender.

Hakimi joined Inter Milan in a €40m deal from Real Madrid last year and played an integral role in the Nerazzurri’s Serie A title triumph after an eleven-year wait. But owing to the club’s financial difficulties, they are set to part ways with the Moroccan international, piquing the interest of Chelsea and PSG. (h/t Metro)

Hakimi enjoyed a stunning 2020/21 season
Hakimi enjoyed a stunning 2020/21 season with Inter Milan

Earlier this week, Hakimi’s agent, Alejandro Camano confirmed that the wing-back is set for an exit from San Siro.

“The only one who is going to leave Inter for now is Hakimi, who I also represent. [With Lautaro] there is still no clear situation. [But Hakimi] he is going.”

Chelsea have already had an offer of €60m rejected by Inter Milan, much like PSG, with the Serie A champions holding out for a transfer fee of €80m. However, PSG are now understood to have accelerated talks with the Nerazzurri, with the French giants in talks over an improved €70m offer, that includes bonuses, to convince Hakimi’s current club.

With PSG ramping up their efforts to sign Hakimi, what comes as an even more bitter blow for Chelsea in pursuit of the 22-year-old’s transfer is that the defender himself would prefer a transfer to Paris over London. (h/t Metro)

Achraf Hakimi of FC Internazionale in action
Achraf Hakimi prefers a transfer to PSG over Chelsea (imago Images)

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Chelsea, at the moment, don’t have proper cover or competition for right wing-back Reece James. So, bringing in someone like Hakimi, who could provide added depth on both right and left flanks would’ve been quite the coup.

But it seems like the Blues now have their task cut out to convince the former Real Madrid ace to move to the Bridge, with him preferring a switch to PSG.