Chelsea scramble with ‘desperate’ bid after top target closes in on move

Hakimi.Inter_.TEAMtalk

Chelsea have made a “desperate” last-ditch move to try and stop Paris Saint-Germain beating them to the signing of Achraf Hakimi, according to reports.

While Chelsea’s main target this summer seems to be a high-profile striker like Erling Haaland, they have also been heavily linked with wing-back Hakimi. He has proven himself as one of the best in the world with Inter Milan, where he won Serie A last season. But his club’s financial situation means they have to sell at least one big player.

Due to the price they can command for him, Hakimi is the one they will be moving on, despite only signing him one year ago. As such, Chelsea are one of the leading contenders to sign him.

However, reports earlier suggested they were set to miss out, as PSG were close to completing a deal.

A move to Ligue 1 seems to be the player’s preference, not only for footballing reasons but also personal factors. And with PSG prioritising a move for a full-back and not being afraid of spending, they seem ready to grant his wish.

June 24 Transfer Chatter: Chelsea in for Grealish, Arsenal to sell Saliba and Ramos future decided

June 24 Transfer Chatter: Chelsea in for Grealish, Arsenal to sell Saliba and Ramos future decided

Chelsea look to be set to rival Man City in the race to sign Jack Grealish, while Arsenal want to sell William Saliba and Sergio Ramos looks set to move to Paris St-Germain.

One of the reasons they seem to have beaten Chelsea to Hakimi is by paying Inter’s full asking price up front. In contrast, the Blues have been trying to send counterweights in the opposite direction.

Inter’s financial situation means they need pure cash, sending Chelsea back to the drawing board.

Two sources claim Chelsea still in running

But all may not be over in their pursuit. According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, the Champions League winners could now make a “desperate” attempt to hijack Hakimi’s PSG move.

The offer now on the table is worth €65m. Marcos Alonso could still be included, but his €10m transfer would count as a separate operation afterwards.

Corriere Dello Sport also back up the news. They suggest the inclusion of Alonso keeps Chelsea in contention to sign Hakimi. PSG are yet to meet the €70m asking price, so it is not yet a done deal.

The door is open for Chelsea to sneak in, but even so, a move to PSG still seems the most likely scenario. It is what Hakimi prefers and that could be decisive.

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