Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea deal falling into place as £60million will land them top target from PSG this summer

Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos, Paris Saint-Germain, August 2022

A bid of £60million will be enough for Chelsea to land top target, Paris Saint-Germain wing-back Achraf Hakimi, according to a report.

Hakimi has become one of the world’s best wing-backs over the past few seasons. Indeed, he’s been impactful at each of his last three clubs.

The final season of his loan with Borussia Dortmund, 2019/20, saw him directly involved in 15 league goals, as well as four in the Champions League.

That led to a move to Inter Milan, where he scored seven goals and provided 10 assists in the league in one season. That was enough to gain him an immediate move to PSG, for in the region of £60million.

In 77 games for the Ligue 1 side so far, he’s scored eight goals and provided 11 assists.

It’s little surprise, then, that he’s being courted yet again. Indeed, Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly both keen on the Morocco international.

It seems the former will soon appoint Mauricio Pochettino as manager. That the Argentine managed Hakimi at PSG is one of the reasons Chelsea are so keen on him.

TEAMtalk recently revealed PSG will let the wing-back move on ‘if they receive a suitable offer’. Hakimi is one of a few star players they’ll listen to offers for, as part of a new strategy.

Chelsea learn Hakimi asking price

An update has since reinforced PSG’s decision to allow Hakimi to leave, including information on what they’d accept for him.

Football Insider reports the Ligue 1 side have ‘placed a £50-60million price tag’ on the wing-back.

The report adds PSG feel that to be ‘reasonable’ taking into account the £60million they paid for him. That he’s continued his stellar form since his move and is under contract until 2026 means that is certainly true.

What’s more, the report suggests the club will ‘stand firm’ in their valuation due to the length of Hakimi’s deal. Should they not receive a suitable offer, it’s not as if his value will suddenly dwindle.

Hakimi snare simple task for Chelsea

Given the financial might the Blues possess, snaring Hakimi should not be hard. While Man Utd might be in the mix, they’re likely to prioritise a striker signing, so won’t have their full attention on the deal.

Chelsea might be in the clear if that’s to happen, and things could fall into place for them even more soon.

The potential departure of Reece James, while a big loss, would actually help the Blues in a way. Having both Hakimi and James in a team seems somewhat pointless, given they operate in the same position.

However, reports have suggested James could be the subject of a move to Real Madrid. One outlet stated that would cost the La Liga side £90million.

That’s more than what the Blues would need to pay for Hakimi, so they’d be in the black. What’s more, they can’t be in too good a position where Financial FairPlay regulations are concerned, so a big outbound transfer and a smaller inbound one seems smart.

Chelsea will be in good nick on the pitch too – there doesn’t seem a much better replacement for James than Hakimi.

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