Chelsea still in race for 22-year-old Serie A star as they prepare an improved offer

Transfer News: Chelsea still in the race for Achraf Hakimi despite PSG links

According to a report by Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t The Express), Chelsea have not given up on the pursuit of Inter Milan full-back Achraf Hakimi despite his transfer links with PSG.

Inter’s owners, Chinese company ‘Suning’, want to balance their books by raising an €80million profit. And Hakimi is seen as an asset that can help them reach that figure.

However, the French club’s best offer is believed to be €60million in transfer fee, €8million in yearly wages, plus €2million in bonuses. Hakimi’s performances have made him a wanted man.

And Chelsea’s intention, as mentioned above, to come back in with an improved offer makes sense in that regard. The full-back can play as a wing-back and could suit Thomas Tuchel’s set-up.

Battle for Achraf Hakimi

Reece James can do with competition down that side while Cesar Azpilicueta seems to be fitting in well as a third centre-back on the right-hand side. The Blues would want to build on their UEFA Champions League glory.

One way to do that is by signing quality players. The club signed a number of players last year – Timo Werner, Thiago Silva, Kai Havertz, Edouard Mendy – all of whom were vital in the club’s success this season.

But the Ligue 1 runners-up can prove to be tough competitors, with the report mentioning that they have the financial capability to get a deal for Hakimi across the line.

More Chelsea News:

• Transfer News: Chelsea pondering over Jules Kounde move
• Chelsea handed a blow in Harry Kane chase as striker eyes PSG move
• Transfer News: Chelsea keeping tabs on Manuel Locatelli

It remains to be seen if Chelsea can outmuscle Paris Saint-Germain for Hakimi but if the 22-year-old comes to Stamford Bridge in the summer, the Blues would have signed a terrific long-term asset for themselves.