Chelsea have matched Paris Saint-Germain's €60m offer for Inter defender Achraf Hakimi, with the Italians' interest in Emerson Palmieri and Andreas Christensen potentially aiding negotiations.
Hakimi only moved to the San Siro last summer, arriving from Real Madrid for €40m following a fruitful two-year loan at Borussia Dortmund. During his first season at Inter he helped the Nerazzurri win the Serie A title, missing just one league game. He registered seven goals and ten assists too, cementing his reputation as one of the world's best wing-backs.
Due to his incredible form Inter would prefer to keep him, but the club's perilous financial situation means it could be out of their hands. Manager Antonio Conte has already walked away from the club and the wage bill is in dire need of trimming.
Inter are also open to selling players and there appears to be two clubs in the hunt for Hakimi. PSG are already known to be suitors, submitting a €60m bid recently, and according to Sky Sports Italy this has now been matched by Chelsea.
The Blues also hold a trump card: Inter's interest in Emerson and Christensen. The former barely played last season and would be open to leaving Stamford Bridge. Inter are believed to want him on loan, while Chelsea favour a permanent move.
Since his arrival, Inter have seen a notable increase in success down the right side of the pitch, while Dortmund have noticed quite the opposite. Achraf Hakimi...
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The Scudetto winners are also fans of Christensen, though this deal would be more tricky. Although he rarely played under Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel has favoured the Dane, turning to him in the Champions League final after Thiago Silva limped off injured.
Even if these two players are included as makeweight Inter are still likely to hold out for their full asking price of €80m, although it seems unlikely the Blues will want to let Christensen go.
Chelsea already have two talented right-backs in the form of Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta, though the pair have also been fielded as central defenders. Tuchel has shown a preference for using wing-backs, Hakimi's best position, and this is likely where they envisage him slotting in.
Source : 90min